Background Although refugee health issues are increasingly experienced in primary health care, few studies have explored the quality use of medicines in refugee communities even though access to and quality use of medicines is a key component of care delivery. Aim To identify strategies to support the quality use of medicines in refugee communities. Design and setting Qualitative study with primary healthcare providers and refugee health leaders in Brisbane, Australia. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with refugee health leaders, pharmacists, practice nurses, and GPS. Data were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key barriers and facilitators for the quality use of medicines. Results Five barriers, including communication and language barriers, limited health literacy and financial cost, and four facilitators, including better coordination between healthcare providers and improved healthcare provider training, were identified. This study provides a rich exploration relating to medication use and examines the engagement between pharmacists and refugees, highlighting some communication concerns. It recognises the supportive role of the practice nurse and offers practical strategies for improving community knowledge about safe medicines use. Conclusion This preliminary study builds on previous studies investigating refugee health access and health literacy. It offers new understandings towards enhancing quality use of medicines in refugee communities and practical insights to assist the targeting of resources for future interventions.

Pharmacists Australia Delivery of health care Practice nurses Quality use of medicines Medicines optimisation Refugees

Health Personnel communication barrier Communication Barriers primary medical care refugee drug cost nurse Australia health care personnel human epidemiology Refugees Community Pharmacy Services general practitioner Cultural Competency cultural competence prescription drug qualitative research Humans male semi structured interview female Socioeconomic Factors socioeconomics clinical article medical education Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice standards Article pharmacy organization and management non prescription drug adult health care quality health care access Australian health care system health literacy pharmacist medication therapy management attitude to health Health Services Accessibility primary health care health care delivery