IMPLEMENTATION OF A RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION (R&D&I) UNIT IN HOSPITAL PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
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European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
Cotrina Luque Jesús, Madeira Joana, Simões Joana, Rodrigues Leonor, Capoulas Miriam, Santos Cláudia.
Why was it done?
A European Association of Hospital Pharmacists study revealed that over 80% of Portuguese pharmacists lack adequate clinical research competencies. Despite Portuguese Law n.º 21/2014 establishing frameworks for pharmacist involvement in clinical research, significant capability gaps persist, limiting contributions to evidence-based pharmaceutical care and scientific advancement.
What was done?
An Integrated Research, Development and Innovation Unit was created and implemented in Hospital Pharmaceutical Services in 2021 to enhance pharmacists’ research performance. The unit’s mission combines high-level clinical research and training with quality basic research to achieve effective transfer of scientific results, improving pharmaceutical care. Four strategic pillars were established: effective and safe pharmacotherapy, patient satisfaction, advancement of technical-scientific knowledge, and representing excellence in the pharmaceutical sector. Four research areas were identified: medical specialties and infection control, surgical specialties and intensive care, paediatric specialties and pharmacy compounding, and transversal innovation areas including pharmacogenomics.
How was it done?
A comparative pre-post implementation study was conducted, comparing periods January 2019-December 2020 (pre-implementation) with January 2021-December 2024 (post-implementation). Variables collected included active research projects with pharmacists as Principal Investigators (PI), publications, scientific communications, awards, and committee participation.
What has been achieved?
The unit operated with one non-exclusive coordinator and each collaborator dedicating two days monthly. Activities included monthly scientific meetings, dynamic scheduling of scientific events, project submission support, scientific writing assistance, funding opportunity protocols, and knowledge transfer initiatives. By December 2024, active research projects increased from zero to twentyone (including three multicentric international projects). Publications raised from zero to nine articles: four non-indexed, two indexed in SciELO, one in PubMed, and two in PubMed with JCR Impact Factor. Scientific communications reached thirty presentations (six oral, twentyfour posters) at national and international congresses. The unit achieved five expert designations by Clinical Investigation Commission. Four awards were received.
What next?
Future includes expanding collaborative networks with universities, pharmaceutical industry, and international research centres, pursuing additional funding opportunities, and further developing translational research focused on patient outcomes. This innovative model, being the first integrated R&D&I unit in Portuguese Hospital Pharmaceutical Services, demonstrates successful enhancement of research capabilities with minimal resources. The framework is replicable across national hospital pharmaceutical services, providing sustainable improvements in scientific productivity and professional development.
EVALUATION OF AN INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR PHARMACY AND MEDICAL STUDENTS WITHIN HOSPITAL EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
O’Boyle, N; Currie, P; O’Hare, R; McCrory, R; Leonard, N; Kirk, S.
Why was it done?
Undergraduate curricula across a number of healthcare professions have increased their focus on interprofessional education. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an interprofessional education programme on student self-reported interprofessional collaboration as well as how the interprofessional education programme supported their clinical skills development.
What was done?
We developed a full-day interprofessional education programme focused on medical admissions, incorporating role exchange to improve history taking and prescribing skills in medical student and pharmacy student groups.
How was it done?
In the first session, interprofessional pairs of medical and pharmacy students completed four simulation-based case scenarios. Followed by a second session of collaborative working with real patients on the hospital wards. A post programme questionnaire was completed by participants. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the student overall experience and skill development, and thematic analysis was used to evaluate student free text comments.
What has been achieved?
The questionnaire response rate was 88% (n=22) for medicine and 91% (n=31) for pharmacy. The mean score for the overall student impression of the programme was 4.75 out of 5. 94% (n=50) of students reported that the simulation activities improved their confidence in completing the in-situ activities with real patients. 96% (n=51) of respondents reported that they will be able to use the skills and knowledge gained within the programme in their future career as a registered healthcare professional.
Thematic analysis of the benefits of the programme identified five themes: interprofessional collaboration, professional identity, social and academic congruence, development of a holistic practitioner and simulation to prepare for clinical practice. Student suggestions for future development identified four themes: improved organisation, increased academic alignment, expanded opportunities for interprofessional education and developing more authentic clinical experiences.
What next?
There is evidence that simulation will be a core component in undergraduate interprofessional education efforts to address learning needs across both disciplines as it provides the opportunity to create scenarios with collaborative learning outcomes in a controlled environment. This study has highlighted how simulation can further be utilised to develop rapport and understanding within interprofessional student cohorts before in-situ experiential learning.
A NATIONAL CLINICAL PHARMACY CONTEST TO PROMOTE COMPETENCY-BASED TRAINING AMONG ITALIAN RESIDENTS: A THREE-YEAR EXPERIENCE
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
Mengato D, Cancanelli L, Colicchio A, Crivellaro G, Lombardi N, Torni F
Why was it done?
Clinical pharmacy in Italy is not officially institutionalised yet and education about it across Italian residency programmes is heterogeneous, with limited opportunities for structured, practice-oriented learning. To address this gap, the contest was introduced in 2023 to foster harmonisation and enhance residents’ practical competencies. The main goal was to engage future clinical pharmacists in a stimulating, competitive environment that reflects real-life decision making, encourages collaboration, and supports the development of a shared professional identity.
What was done?
A national Clinical Pharmacy Contest was designed and implemented by the Italian Society of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (SIFaCT) to promote standardised, competency-based education among Italian residents. The initiative uses a gamified, case-based learning model to develop clinical reasoning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real-world therapeutic contexts.
How was it done?
Residents from Hospital Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology schools across Italy competed in teams of four. The contest included three phases. Preliminary phase: submission of a medication review based on a simulated clinical case; Quarter-finals: online Jeopardy-style quiz; Semi-finals and final: structured quizzes and guided clinical case discussions, evaluated by expert panels during the SIFaCT National Congress. Organisational challenges such as ensuring fair participation and developing standardised evaluation tools were addressed by establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary committee.
What has been achieved?
Across three editions, 30 teams (120 residents) participated, with 48 finalists attending live sessions. A pilot survey from 40 respondents showed high satisfaction (mean 4.4/5), strong perceived usefulness (4.4/5) and complementarity (4.3/5) with university education. 91% would recommend the contest to colleagues, and 85% rated its usefulness in deepening clinical knowledge as 4 or 5/5. Participants reported improved clinical reasoning, teamwork, and awareness of the pharmacist’s clinical role.
What next?
The contest represents an innovative and scalable educational model that supports harmonisation of clinical pharmacy training and inter-university collaboration. It could be adopted across Europe to strengthen clinical competencies, foster professional identity, and promote patient-centred care.
DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAINING VIDEO LIBRARY FOR HOSPITAL PHARMACY: EXPERIENCE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
FERNANDEZ LOPEZ, ELISA GEORGINA; SANTOS FAGUNDO, ANDREA; ESQUIVEL NEGRIN, JORGE; PEÑA HERNANDEZ, JOSEPHINE; GONZALEZ CRESPO, ALVARO; MAGDALENA PEREZ, AMARA; MARTIN CONDE, JOSE ANTONIO; DIAZ RUIZ, MARIA PILAR
Why was it done?
Training in hospital pharmacy involves numerous critical technical processes (e.g. sterile preparations, parenteral nutrition, cytotoxic drugs, automated dispensing). These procedures demand high precision and adherence to protocols. Variability in training methods may lead to errors and reduced efficiency. To standardize training and provide residents and professionals with an accessible reference, a structured video library was developed.
What was done?
A comprehensive training video library covering key technical processes in hospital pharmacy was designed and implemented in a tertiary hospital. The goal was to improve resident education, ensure adherence to protocols, and provide a rapid consultation tool for daily practice.
How was it done?
Training videos were produced for the following areas: sterile preparations (intravitreal injections, intrathecal, collyria, subcutaneous and intravenous re-dispensing, analgesia pumps), parenteral nutrition (adult and neonatal), cytotoxics (IV, SC, chemoembolization particles, elastomeric devices, intrathecal), laminar flow cabinet operation, pharmacy software tutorials, automated dispensing systems (Athos, carousels, outpatient robot), and logistics management (orders, forecasts). Each video followed a technical and regulatory script. Content was validated by professionals and residents through a pilot phase. The final materials were integrated into the hospital’s internal platform, with controlled access. Impact was assessed via satisfaction surveys and monitoring of procedural execution.
What has been achieved?
After one year, 85% of users reported improved learning and knowledge retention, while 100% of residents stated increased confidence in performing procedures. The tool has contributed to training standardization, greater adherence to protocols, and facilitated quick access to updated resources.
What next?
Future steps include producing additional videos, updating existing content according to regulatory/technological changes, and expanding the model to other hospital pharmacy departments. While it does not replace supervised practical training, this tool complements it and has strong potential for replication in other hospitals to improve quality and safety in pharmaceutical care.
USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO TRAIN FUTURE PHARMACISTS : EVALUATION OF A CHATBOT DEVELOPED FOR THE ONCOLOGY PHARMACY UNIT
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
P. BROUARD
C. JUTARD
C. COUSIN
E. COGET
Why was it done?
The Oncology Pharmacy Unit within the hospital pharmacy is experiencing a steady increase in activity. Medical teams are increasingly calling on pharmacy interns for technical and clinical questions.
What was done?
To enhance the training of pharmacy interns and improve responsiveness to medical inquiries, an artificial intelligence (AI) driven pharmaceutical chatbot pre-configured using a dedicated prompt. It was developed to deliver accurate, context-specific answers on clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, and organizational aspects of the oncology unit. This study aims to assess the relevance and quality of its responses to evaluate its potential as a support tool in intern training.
How was it done?
A total of 123 anonymized documents, including procedures, educational materials, and internal resources from the oncology unit of the hospital pharmacy, were integrated into a dedicated chatbot developed with ChatGPT-5. Forty questions reflecting eight key thematic areas of residents’ activities—clinical and technological validation, outpatient dispensing, controlled atmosphere areas, medical staff inquiries, software use, routine practice, and on-call situations—were submitted to the AI. Four experts pharmacists independently assessed each response using a standardized evaluation form with four levels of agreement (“Agree,” “Somewhat agree,” “Somewhat disagree,” “Disagree”).
What has been achieved?
Among the 160 responses received, a strong inter-rater consistency was observed, with 90% of evaluations showing concordance among at least three assessors and full unanimity in 20% of cases. Overall, 79% of chatbot responses were rated favorably (41% “Agree,” 38% “Somewhat agree”). The highest satisfaction rates were found in clinical pharmacy (95%), controlled atmosphere areas (95%), and software (90%). In contrast, lower agreement occurred in pharmaceutical technology (65% favorable, 30% disagreement) and particularly in on-call situations, where 55% of responses were considered unsatisfactory.
What next?
These findings confirm the educational potential of this tool, with most answers deemed relevant. Nonetheless, discrepancies underline its limitations regarding specific technical data, including occasional hallucinatory, incorrect, or incomplete responses that lack adequate reference to institutional procedures. Given its potential, we are working to improve this chatbot by refining the prompt, updating the database, and testing other non-hallucinatory AI models.
MARIO CAR-T PROJECT: A TRAINING COURSE FOR HOSPITAL STAFF ON THE CHIMERIC ANTIGENIC RECEPTOR-T’S CIRCUIT
Pdf
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.
CREATION OF A FUN TRAINING COURSE ON GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS: THE BPP QUIZ®
Pdf
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.
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROGRAM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH LONG-ACTING ANTI-HIV DRUGS
Pdf
European Statement
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Author(s)
MARTÍNEZ LLIBERATO, A; COMPANY ALBIR, MJ; VICENTE ESCRIG, E; VALLEJO GARCÍA, R; RUBIO ORTOLÁ, L; GARCÍA MONTAÑÉS, S; BELLÉS MEDALL, MD; FERRANDO PIQUERES, R
Why was it done?
It was carried out to ensure the best monitoring, traceability and conservation of long-acting antiretroviral drugs, as well as to improve adherence and patient quality of life and reduce stigma in HIV patients.
What was done?
A program was developed for the administration and pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients who are candidates for long-acting antiretroviral treatment (LA-ART), coordinated with the infectious diseases unit (IDU) and the Hospital Pharmacy Outpatient Unit (HPOU).
How was it done?
After the inclusion of the drugs in the pharmacotherapeutic guide, the following program was designed:
1. Identification and communication to the HPOU by the IDU of patients who are candidates for LA-ART and electronic prescription.
2. Initial visit (week 0):
• Review and validation of the treatment by the pharmacist: indication, dosage regimen, interactions, contraindications.
• Planning of the annual administration calendar, providing two dates within the window period allowed by these drugs. Patients are scheduled for pharmaceutical care (PC) and administration on working Thursdays, in the HPOU Health Education Consultation agenda, which has a nurse.
• Information to the patient by the pharmacist, orally and in writing, about administration and adverse reactions. In addition, the annual appointment schedule is provided.
• Appointment of the patient for the first successive visit, if the patient accepts the start.
3. SMS sent the day before, to remind the patient of the follow-up visit. If the patient cannot attend the scheduled appointment, he/she will contact the HPOU to schedule an alternative date according to the calendar.
4. Successive visits (week 4 and every 8 weeks):
• PC
• Intramuscular administration by a nurse.
In all visits, the information is recorded in the patient’s computerized medical history.
What has been achieved?
Of 18 candidate patients in 18 months, 15 accepted ART after the initial visit. 89 PC and administration consultations have been carried out. Adherence was 100%, all reported local discomfort at the injection site between 1 and 7 days after administration and only 1 patient reported pyrexia.
What next?
A program applicable to all HPOU that have nursing and a Health Education consultation to implement adherence in these patients.
APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE COMPARISON OF NEW DRUGS AND MEDICAL DEVICES
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
Damuzzo V (1), Rivano M (2), Cancanelli L (3), Brunoro R (4), Gasperoni L (5), Ossato A (6), Colicchio A (7), Del Bono L (8), Di Spazio L (9), Celentano Fasano CN (10), Chiumente M (11), Mengato D (12), Messori A (13)
1) UOC Farmacia, AULSS2, P.O. di Vittorio Veneto
2) Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari
3) UOC Farmacia, AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, P.O. di Castelfranco
4) School of Specialisation in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Milan, Milan
5) Oncological Pharmacy, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) ‘Dino Amadori, Meldola;
6) School of Specialisation in Hospital Pharmacy, University of Padua, Padua
7) Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Unica Sanitaria Locale di Bologna (AUSL), Bologna
8) Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa
9) Hospital Pharmacy, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS);
10) Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ulss 3 Serenissima, Mirano,
11) Italian Society of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (SIFaCT), Milan
12) Hospial Pharmacy Unit – Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova
13) HTA Unit, Tuscany Region, Florence
Why was it done?
The clinical selection of available treatments and medical devices (MDs) is often hindered by the absence of direct efficacy comparisons between emerging therapies. This AI-tool aimed to address this challenge by employing advanced analytical techniques to facilitate informed decision-making in clinical settings.
What was done?
In 2016, the Italian Society for Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (SIFaCT) launched the AVVICINARE project with the goal of training young hospital pharmacists to develop innovation in research based on non-original, already published data. We recently approached the field of indirect comparisons, applying the artificial intelligence (AI) technique ‘IPDfromKM’ to extract individual patient data (IPD) from Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves, enabling the indirect comparison of emerging pharmacological treatments and MDs
How was it done?
Drugs and technologies with similar therapeutic roles and efficacy assessed by time-dependent endpoints (Overall Survival, Progression-Free Survival) were identified. KM curves from relevant clinical trials were digitized, and the IPDfromKM application was used to reconstruct the IPD. Data from different studies on the same treatments were pooled to enhance sample size, and standard statistical techniques (Cox regression, inter-treatment comparison) were employed, considering long-surviving patients (restricted mean survival time [RMST]). A heterogeneity analysis ensured comparability of patient cohorts.
What has been achieved?
Drugs and technologies with similar therapeutic roles and efficacy assessed by time-dependent endpoints (Overall Survival, Progression-Free Survival) were identified. KM curves from relevant clinical trials were digitized, and the IPDfromKM application was used to reconstruct the IPD. Data from different studies on the same treatments were pooled to enhance sample size, and standard statistical techniques (Cox regression, inter-treatment comparison) were employed, considering long-surviving patients (restricted mean survival time [RMST]). A heterogeneity analysis ensured comparability of patient cohorts.
What next?
Given the increasing value of indirect comparisons in both clinical and pharmacoeconomic contexts, ongoing efforts will focus on refining the analytical techniques and expanding training programs for hospital pharmacists. Future work will also explore additional therapeutic areas to broaden the impact of evidence-based medicine and enhance the role of hospital pharmacists in clinical decision-making.
AN INTERPROFESSIONAL TRAINING WARD AND ITS BENEFIT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS
Pdf
European Statement
Education and Research
Author(s)
Dückelmann Christina C., Landwehr Frauke
Why was it done?
According to the World Health Organization, interprofessional education and collaborative practice are leading to improved health outcomes. Interprofessional education occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes.
What was done?
A cohort of two medical and two pharmacy students as well as four nursing trainees were selected to take over ward mangement and patient care for up to four real patients in a real hospital setting during a five weeks´ period. They were supervised by experienced professionals who “sit on their hands and look out of the window” only interfering when patients are endangered or situations are getting risky for patients.
How was it done?
To find out what the benefit was for pharmacy students, all six of them that where included in this year´s interprofessional wards on a cardiology and a neurology department, were interviewed using guided, problem-centred interviews. Their experiences were qualitatively explored and evaluated with regard to structure, supervsion, feedback and interprofessionality of this training.
What has been achieved?
Pharmacy students reported that the current structure, supervision and feedback enabled them to learn clinical pharmacy in a very profound way. On the other hand, it made other health care professionals aware of how they could benefit from clinical pharmacists and what the role of clinical pharmacists really is. The experience of being responsible for patients together with medical students and nursing trainees in this interprofessional setting was extremely helpful for their learning success and made them realize which influence on patients´ outcome working together in a team like that could have.
What next?
The Interprofessional Training Ward will be continued and rolled out on further departments of the hospital. In 2025, the surgery department will be part of the project. There, clinical pharmacists are badly needed. This qualitative research revealed the potential for further optimization of this programme in order to meet the learning objectives and expectations of the students even better. This will be aimed for in the next interprofessional training wards.