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EMBEDDING ADHERENCE SCREENING AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE TRAINING INTO UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON, UK

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Ella Graham-Rowe, Sian Williams, Sarah Chapman and John Weinman

Why was it done?

Non-adherence to prescribed medicines remains a global problem, associated with poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Despite pharmacists’ central role in addressing adherence, undergraduate education often lacks practical, evidence-based training. This initiative aimed to equip students early in their professional development with the skills and confidence to identify and support patients with adherence challenges.

What was done?

A structured programme on medication adherence was developed and embedded into the second year of the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree at the University of Brighton. The training introduced students to an adherence screening tool, key behavioural frameworks, and practical support strategies, with opportunities to practise in simulated scenarios and while on placement.

How was it done?

Academic staff were first trained by the Centre for Adherence Research and Education (King’s College London) to deliver their structured programme. The training was then delivered to undergraduates over three two-hour face-to-face workshops. Workshop one explored types and causes of non-adherence using the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour) model. Workshop two introduced five evidence-based behaviour change strategies. Workshop three allowed students to apply these skills using the ‘Making Medicines Work for You’ screener in simulated consultations. Learning materials and scenarios were co-developed with practising pharmacits to reflect authentic pharmacy practice.

What has been achieved?

All second-year students completed the training in the 2024–2025 academic year and were assessed in end of year OSCEs. Feedback highlighted notable improvements in students’ consultation and communication skills, along with greater empathetic engagement with patients. Learners described the tools and exercises as engaging and supportive, boosting their confidence in supporting patient adherence.

What next?

This initiative demonstrates that evidence-based adherence training can be effectively integrated into the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. The approach is transferable to other institutions and may improve medicines optimisation in future clinical practice. In 2025–2026, these students will apply their learning during practice placements across multiple sectors. Further evaluation will explore impact on student performance during placements.

MUGHUB PODCASTING UPDATE AND INTEGRATED CURRICULUM SPIRAL FOR STUDENT PHARMACISTS

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Dr Sian Williams & Mr Connor Thompson-Poole

Why was it done?

Podcasting has been shown to enhance engagement and reflection among healthcare students by connecting taught content to real-world practice. The MUGHUB podcast, established by the Medicines Use Group (MUG) at the University of Brighton, was designed to increase student pharmacists’ access to current issues in medicines use and promote awareness of diverse career pathways. Following initial positive feedback, MUGHUB has now been embedded within each year of the new Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme to support an integrated and spiral learning curriculum focused on professional identity and experiential learning.

What was done?

The updated MUGHUB initiative aligns podcast and video content with the Clinical and Professional Skills (CAPS) modules delivered across all four years of the MPharm. Each year features a curated mix of episode formats—Meet the Team, Peer2Peer, and Bitesize Learning—to reinforce professional themes and competencies relevant to students’ stage of development. Episodes include topics such as Introduction to placements, Sustainability in pharmacy, and Transitioning to practice, featuring pharmacists, academics, and students.

How was it done?

Academic and clinical staff collaborated with student partners through a university digital learning initiative to co-create content. Topics were mapped to module learning outcomes and professional standards to ensure curricular alignment. Episodes were recorded in the university’s sound and TV studio, edited using Adobe Audition, and disseminated monthly via the virtual learning environment and Spotify. Structured integration points within the CAPS modules and placement preparation sessions were established to encourage active student reflection and discussion.

What has been achieved?

Over 30 episodes have been produced with close to 2500 plays amassing over 200 hours of listening. With each episode linked to learning themes across the MPharm, students report using the series to reinforce understanding of professional roles, placement preparation, and communication skills. The initiative has enhanced digital literacy, self-directed learning, and engagement with the wider pharmacy community.

What next?

Future plans include expanding student-led content creation and integrating reflective podcast-based assignments to further embed digital and professional competencies within the MPharm curriculum.

MARIO CAR-T PROJECT: A TRAINING COURSE FOR HOSPITAL STAFF ON THE CHIMERIC ANTIGENIC RECEPTOR-T’S CIRCUIT

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Clarisse Laurent, Carole Metz, Clara Debaisieux, Romain Lestel, José Carreira, Muriel Maison, Valérie Friser, Nathalie Miranda, Mélanie Hinterlang, Carole Fouteau, Sylvain Choquet, Lamia Hassani, Nabih Azar, Marie Antignac, Fanny Charbonnier Beaupel.

Why was it done?

Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cells (CAR-T), an innovative therapeutic option, have shown remarkable clinical efficacy. However, their pathway from production to infusion requires new multidisciplinary expertise. The Mario CAR-T Project was designed to train both paramedical and non-medical hospital staff in this process.

What was done?

The project took place over two days in January 2024. The program lasted 3 hours and included 6 20-minute workshops. To measure knowledge acquisition, a test was developed and validated with input from multiple disciplines. The test contained 20 questions, each rated with a certainty score from 1 to 5. Professional categories were also recorded (paramedical : nurses, social workers, nursing students, hospital pharmacy technicians and non-medical : call center staff and medical-administrative assistants).

How was it done?

Participants completed the test at three time points: (A) before the course, (B) immediately after the course, and (C) two months after the course. Data were analyzed using PRISM® (GraphPad). Median scores were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test (alpha = 0.05).

What has been achieved?

A total of 79 participants were enrolled: 60 answered test A (51.6% paramedical vs. 48.4% non-medical), 54 answered test B (61.1% vs. 38.9%), and 6 answered test C. The median grade of A was lower than that of B (p < 0.0001). Question-by-question analysis showed better results in domains related to collection, reception, storage, and thawing of CAR-T cells (median of A : 8.5 versus B : 11.25 ; p < 0.05). Across all professional categories, scores improved between time A and B for social workers (median of A : 8.5 versus B : 11.25 ; p <0.05 ) and nurses (median of A : 13.0 versus B : 14.5 ; p< 0.001).

What next?

This study shows that the Mario CAR-T Project enabled the acquisition of new knowledge for staff involved in CAR-T cell care. However, no progress was observed on questions about lymphodepleting chemotherapy or CAR-T administration, indicating the need to adapt training. Due to the low number of follow-up responses, long-term knowledge retention could not be assessed. An annual session is planned to update and maintain staff knowledge.

IMPLEMENTING SIMULATED PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT SKILLS INTO UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY TRAINING

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Dr Fernando Perez
Connor Thompson-Poole
Dr Konnie Basu

Why was it done?

Recent changes in UK pharmacy education standards by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) have emphasised the need for pharmacists to graduate with the confidence and competence to undertake independent prescribing roles. This requires proficiency in physical assessment and diagnostic skills, traditionally outside the scope of undergraduate pharmacy education. To address this gap, the University of Brighton has integrated a structured simulation-based physical assessment training package into the MPharm curriculum, preparing future pharmacists for enhanced clinical responsibility and interprofessional practice.

What was done?

A series of simulated physical assessment sessions was introduced across all years of the MPharm programme. The training focuses on developing students’ competence and confidence in performing fundamental physical assessment techniques, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological examinations, as well as accurate recording and interpretation of vital signs through a spiralled curriculum over the course of four years.
The simulation package was designed collaboratively by clinical academic staff and prescribing pharmacists, supported by colleagues from medicine and nursing to ensure cross-disciplinary alignment. Each session was structured around case-based clinical scenarios, encouraging students to follow a patient’s journey through different healthcare settings.

How was it done?

Sessions were delivered in the university’s clinical simulation suites using simulated patients, high-fidelity manikins, and digital monitoring tools. Each workshop included a short demonstration, guided practice, peer feedback, and reflection activities. Students benefit from this approach as they can individually work through real clinical scenarios, which better prepares them for future independent clinical practice.
Student learning was assessed through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and reflective portfolios. Staff feedback and student evaluations were collected to guide ongoing improvement.

What has been achieved?

Over two academic years, over 400 pharmacy students have participated in the programme. Student feedback indicates a marked increase in self-reported confidence in patient examination, clinical communication, and integration of physical findings into clinical reasoning. Staff observed improved engagement and enhanced preparedness for prescribing training. The initiative has also fostered stronger collaboration across disciplines.

What next?

Future plans include developing interprofessional simulation days with medical and nursing students, and exploring digital tools for remote clinical assessment practice. The model demonstrates a scalable and sustainable approach to embedding clinical examination competence within undergraduate pharmacy education.

EMBEDDING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACROSS AN MPHARM CURRICULUM: IMPLEMENTATION, EVOLUTION, AND IMPACT TWO YEARS ON

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Connor Thompson-Poole
Sam Ingram

Why was it done?

The University of Brighton introduced an Experiential Learning Strategy in 2023 to enhance pharmacy education through progressive, practice-based learning. The strategy aimed to allow students to apply their knowledge through the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree and strengthen their clinical preparedness and professional identity. This initiative is in response to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) Initial Education and Training of Pharmacist (IETP) standards of 2021, which emphasise real-world competence and interprofessional collaboration.

What was done?

A structured experiential framework was implemented, utilising our ‘Teach > Simulate > Do’ model combining lectures, simulated clinical experiences, and real-world placements. Each year of study now includes both simulated practice activities, such as virtual clinical experiences and prescribing simulations, and direct placements across community, hospital, primary care, and specialist sectors.
A central Pharmacy Placement Operational Advisory Group (PPOAG) was established to co-create and quality assure placement provision in partnership with providers and national teams. Placement activities were supported by structured logbooks, learning agreements, and supervisor training resources to standardise expectations and feedback.

How was it done?

Over two years, the programme has expanded to over 120 multisector placement providers, offering students a total of 60 days of placement activity across the four-year MPharm degree. This expansion has opened access to previously inaccessible learning environments for undergraduate pharmacy students, including general practice, ambulance services, mental health trusts, and prison pharmacy. Simulated learning activities have been aligned with placement learning outcomes to ensure coherence between taught and experiential learning.

What has been achieved?

Student pharmacists reported improved clinical confidence and understanding of team-based care, and many students have gained part-time employment as a result of their placement experiences. Providers noted greater consistency and preparedness of students, and improved communication channels with the university. Placement networks across the region expanded significantly, increasing placement capacity and diversity.

What next?

Future work will focus on using both quantitative data, including placement capacity and completion rates, and qualitative data, such as student reflections and provider feedback, to continue to inform iterative development and quality enhancement of the programme. Continued collaboration with NHS and community partners will ensure sustainable and high-quality experiential learning for future cohorts.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A GLOBAL SKILLS FRAMEWORK AND REFLECTIVE PRACTICE IN UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY EDUCATION

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Dr Stewart Glaspole
Dr Joao Inacio Silva

Why was it done?

Developing professional competence and reflective capability is fundamental to preparing pharmacy graduates for contemporary clinical practice. In line with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists (IETP), the University of Brighton introduced a structured Global Skills Framework (GSF) and an innovative reflective portfolio tool to ensure all MPharm students develop, evidence, and reflect upon the requirements of modern pharmacists, including those relevant to independent prescribing.

What was done?

A Global Skills Framework was implemented across all four years of the MPharm programme, defining 16 core skills mapped to GPhC learning outcomes. The framework is supported by a reflective portfolio built on the Edublogs platform, which students maintain throughout the course. Students submit reflective entries linked to experiences in both academic and experiential settings, mapping each to specific skill outcomes and maintaining a live evidence repository to identify gaps.
Mandatory annual entries include: a numeracy action plan, an interprofessional education experience, and a placement reflection. Assessment occurs via a viva voce examination, where academic staff review the portfolio and discuss selected reflections with students to assess skill development and professional insight.

How was it done?

An evidence review was conducted, examining established skills frameworks in pharmacy education and the wider healthcare arena. This evidence base was thematically analysed and organised into 16 skill categories and mapped to the IETP. Each skill was given a descriptor and a spiralled set of learning outcomes and applied to each year of undergraduate teaching. Tutors review each student’s progress through structured one-to-one portfolio tutorials. Evidence, reflective writing, and viva feedback are monitored annually to inform individual and programme-level development.

What has been achieved?

The initiative has improved students’ ability to articulate their learning, identify personal strengths and development needs, and link university and placement experiences. Staff report enhanced visibility of student progression across the programme and stronger alignment of reflection with GPhC outcomes. Students have expressed increased ownership of their professional development and appreciation for the structure the GSF provides.

What next?

Future work will explore utilising other digital platforms to enhance the student and academic experience. Longitudinal evaluation of how portfolio engagement predicts prescribing readiness at graduation and beyond.

OPTIMIZATION OF PATIENT RECRUITMENT IN CLINICAL TRIALS THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION (TRIALGPT PROJECT)

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Laura Maldonado Yagüe, Claudia Ramos Álvarez, Ana Herranz Alonso, Fernando Bustelo Paz, Eva González-Haba Peña, María Sanjurjo Saez

Why was it done?

Patient recruitment is still nowadays one of the barriers that the clinical investigation encounters: almost 80% of the clinical trials experiment delays and around 30% close due to the difficulties to identify candidates. Currently, the recruitment process in many of the hospital sites is based on the manual review of electronic medical records (EMR), which results in higher workload and higher errors and omissions. This tool aims to reduce manual screening time by 50% and increase recruitment by 20% always ensuring regulatory compliance (ICH-GCP, RGPD and national biomedical investigation laws).

What was done?

The Pharmacy Department led the initiative to evaluate TrialGPT, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system designed to optimize clinical trials patient recruitment, in the hospital setting. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Model (LLM) are advanced techniques used by TrialGPT which enables the automatic detection of potential eligible patients through their Electronic Medical Records (EMR) matching their profile to the inclusion and exclusion criteria for each clinical trial.

How was it done?

The project was coordinated by a Clinical Trials Unit of a tertiary hospital with multidisciplinary collaboration between pharmacist, investigators and IT specialists. Anonymized data of 50 active clinical trials from oncology, neurology and rare diseases areas were used. Technical challenges such as data heterogeneity, algorithmic bias and staff acceptance were encountered, in order to address these, an iterative training model, multidisciplinary workshops and ethical evaluation were used.

What has been achieved?

Preliminary simulations indicate that TrialGPT is able to reduce half the necessary time for patients screening and improve recruitment efficiency without compromising data security or clinical precision. The model achieved high sensitivity and specificity identifying eligible patients, demonstrating a high potential to optimize hospital investigation flowcharts.

What next?

A validation phase will evaluate the real-world performance and scalability in multiple sites. This initiative exemplifies an innovative digitalization and automatization of a process which could be transferred as a model for European hospitals in order to improve patient access to clinical trials, thus, advanced therapies.

CREATION OF A FUN TRAINING COURSE ON GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS: THE BPP QUIZ®

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

P. Mocquot, P. Robin, M. Chevais, S. Aktouf, F. Getreau, M. Getreau, M. Roche, B. Dessane

Why was it done?

As part of the continuing education of hospital pharmacy technicians (HPT), our team has worked to develop an educational tool on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and changes related to the new version released in 2023.

What was done?

We wanted to create a fun training course on the regulations governing our practice of pharmaceutical technology for the various professionals working in this field.

How was it done?

A working group (WG) was set up to develop an educational tool. Four meetings defined the topics to be covered and the desired format for the training. Three criteria were selected for the creation of the training program: 1) simple rules of the game during 1 hour; 2) different paces during the game to maintain attention and variation in learning modes; 3) competition between two teams of 10 players to stimulate competitiveness and participation.

What has been achieved?

A multidisciplinary WG was set up with three HPTs, two interns and three pharmacists. It took inspiration from a famous French television game show to create the BPP Quiz®. The first round approached on definitions and general concepts, to reassure learners and encourage them to participate. The second round challenged on the theme of dressing and training to be classified into the categories “GMP” or “not GMP”. In the third round, each team had to answer four questions on the control of preparations or the production and maintenance environment. For the fourth round, learners had to cite an example on the technical and regulatory feasibility of preparations, the preparation file and subcontracting. At the end of the four rounds, the best team reached the final round and answered questions in order on topics that had already been covered.

What next?

Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, the WG drew on the expertise of all the professions requiring mastery of the GMP for the design of this game. The training course covers all the concepts deemed essential by the WG, as well as the new topics addressed by the 2023 version of the GMP. The fun format chosen, with changes of pace and humorous tone, ensures learning through play. This training course will now be tested on the target audience.

FROM LEARNING TO PRACTICE: THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL PHARMACY RESIDENT IN PRIMARY CARE

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Ciuciu David, CD; Campabadal Prats, C; Salom Garrigues, C; Romero Denia, M; Suñer Barriga, H; Pascual Carbonell, D; Bejarano Romero, F; Canadell Vilarrasa, L.

Why was it done?

The integration of Hospital Pharmacy Residents (HPr) into primary care (PC) services represents an essential step toward strengthening the continuity of care between hospital and community health centers. Through this collaboration, safe, efficient, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy is promoted, while keeping the patient at the center of the healthcare system. By involving HPr in multidisciplinary teams, the program aims to enhance medication management, optimize therapeutic outcomes, and reduce the incidence of adverse drug events.

What was done?

To describe the role of the HPr in PC services and demonstrate the importance of their contribution to well-keeping relationships between primary and specialized care.

How was it done?

The involvement of the HPr in PC services was classified into clinical, educational, and management activities. To develop their activities, a HPr rotation was scheduled and carried out within a Healthcare Management area, responsible for overseeing 20 PC centers and 20 nursing homes (NH). Within this area, the PC pharmacy team consists of eight pharmacists who perform medication reviews across.
Rotation steps:
Training: HPr receives instruction on PC protocols, quality indicators, and digital tools, including prescription management and indicators recording systems.
Clinical review: HPr evaluates prescriptions, modify treatments based on clinical evidence, and apply a person-centered approach, focusing on complex chronic and institutionalized patient’s guidelines.
Multidisciplinary collaboration: Take an active part in meetings with general practitioners (GP), nurses, and PC pharmacists to discuss patient cases and optimize pharmacotherapy.
Health education: Provide training to nurses and GP residents on rational drug use, adverse reactions, and sustainability.
Evaluation: Oversee the impact of pharmaceutical interventions and suggest continuous improvement measures.

What has been achieved?

A total of 416 interventions were recorded, distributed as follows:
56.7%: Drug discontinuation due to non-adherence, not indication or therapeutic simplification.
23.1%: Therapeutic switches for efficiency.
7.7%: Changes to another molecule.
6.7%: Regimen deintensification.
4.8%: Regimen intensification.
Additionally, 46 interventions were conducted in NH:
52.2%: Drug discontinuation due to overcontrol or lack of indication.
23.9%: Regimen deintensification due to overcontrol.
17.4%: Therapeutic switches for efficiency.
6.5%: Drug initiation due to lack of control.

What next?

The participation of HPr in PC resulted in a significant increase in pharmaceutical interventions, which contribute to safer, more effective and efficient pharmacotherapy and promotes superior coordination between healthcare levels. Also contributed to the education of family and community medicine residents, enhancing their skills in managing complex chronic patients. This experience demonstrates the value of integrating pharmacy residents into primary care and may be replicated in other hospital pharmacy services with similar organizational structures.

BRIDGING GENERATIONS TO STRENGTHEN HOSPITAL PHARMACY DEPARTMENTS

European Statement

Education and Research

Author(s)

Edurne Fernandez de Gamarra-Martinez; Begoña Tortajada-Goitia; Monike de Miguel-Cascon; María Alfonsín-Lara; Hilario Martínez-Barros; Carles Quiñones-Ribas; Covadonga Pérez Menéndez-Conde; Eva Negro-Vega

Why was it done?

A generation is defined as a group of people who, having been born around the same time and received similar education and cultural and social influences, adopt a similar attitude. According to the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) membership database, four generations currently coexist in Spanish Hospital Pharmacy Departments (HPD): Baby Boomers (8%), Generation X (32%), Millennials (52%), and Generation Z (8%). This generational diversity can result in different professional approaches, shaped by varied worldviews and experiences.
To explore this topic, we first conducted a survey to assess intergenerational relationships among hospital pharmacists and their impact on learning and professional development. Within this context, the SEFH published a report and launched the SEFHFUTURE project to address generational coexistence in the workplace.
The project was presented during the 2024 SEFH National Congress. The first initiative was the ‘Intergenerational Dialogues’ conference: a pilot session designed to raise awareness among hospital pharmacists about the value of generational diversity in the professional environment.

What was done?

We organized a meeting titled Intergenerational Dialogues. Four groups of ten hospital pharmacists—each representing one of the current working generations—came together to share their perspectives in an open, respectful, and collaborative setting.

How was it done?

We applied the listening circle methodology, forming one circle per generation, and carried out a collective debrief to share the identified aspects. We structured the dialogue around four strategic themes: Knowledge Transfer, Professional Expectations, Workplace Well-being and People Management.

What has been achieved?

Despite generational differences, participants from all groups expressed shared concerns around both professional and personal matters, emphasizing well-being and workplace climate as key areas for development within HPD. Setting aside stereotypes, the experience provided by a generation can be complemented by the innovation contributed by others.
The session identified intergenerational differences that must be managed to prevent generational gaps and transform the challenge into opportunities.

What next?

This initiative lays the groundwork for developing targeted strategies to address current and future challenges of generational diversity within HPD. Moving forward, we aim to design and implement actions that promote synergy among professionals, support both personal and career development, and enhance collaboration, coexistence, and performance across all generations of hospital pharmacists.