QUM refers to the quality use of medicines. It is a strategy for improving the use of medicines.

The quality use of medicines is part of the National Medicines Policy. The national medicines policy states that QUM means:

• Selecting management options wisely;
• Choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary; and
• Using medicines safely and effectively.

The definition of QUM applies equally to decisions about medicine use by individuals and decisions that affect the health of the population.

The term 'medicine' includes prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines.