Improving Medication Management in Indonesian Aged Care Homes: Research Priority Setting With Stakeholders

ABSTRACT

Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations are experiencing rapidly aging populations. The Indonesian Government recently announced a national initiative of aged care homes to support older people not able to live independently or receive family care. Medication‐without‐harm is the topic of the World Health Organization Third Global Patient Safety Challenge. The objective of this study was to prioritize research questions for improving medication management in public and private aged care homes in Indonesia. In April 2025, a 20‐person expert consensus panel was convened comprising general practitioners, geriatricians, neurologists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, public health practitioners, aged care home managers, Ministry of Health representatives, ASEAN organization representatives, and a family caregiver. The panel used modified nominal group technique to identify and prioritize research for improving medication management in aged care homes in Indonesia. The panel identified 47 research priorities that were consolidated into 15 policy and 20 practice priorities for voting. The highest ranked policy priorities focused on necessary regulations and clinical guidelines; essential medication lists for older people; and policies to support development and use of drug formulations acceptable for residents of aged care homes. The highest ranked practice priorities emphasized digital health technologies; medication safety monitoring; and enhancing communication among families, aged care home staff, and prescribers. The findings lay the groundwork for a culturally‐ and context‐specific research roadmap for improving medication management in Indonesian aged care homes. This will guide researchers and research funding organizations in aligning future studies with policy and practice priorities.