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Structured implementation to secure rapid and efficient changes of medicines: a national workflow
European Statement
Introductory Statements and Governance
Author(s)
Mikala Vasehus Holck, Jette Østergaard Rathe
Why was it done?
The role of the National Medicines Council (NMC) is to provide guidance about new medicines for use in the public hospital sector.
Recommendations from the NMC must be implemented at hospitals. Implementation of changes of medicines requires preparation and collaboration and involves numerous stakeholders, e.g. drug and therapeutic committees, hospital pharmacies, clinicians, and the national supply organization (NSO) to public hospitals. Knowledge sharing is crucial to ensure efficient implementation.
We needed a workflow focusing on knowledge sharing at national level, and thus we introduced the structured implementation workflow in September 2019.
What was done?
We have established a structured implementation workflow focusing on knowledge sharing. The workflow ensures rapid and efficient implementation of changes of medicines, and a more aligned treatment at national level.
How was it done?
To ensure knowledge sharing through the workflow, we developed:
– Implementation memo: Summarizes NMC recommendations and treatment guidelines, with information about current and upcoming tendering procedures and prices. The memo is shared with the stakeholders.
– Implementation group: The group is a mix of people with a direct connection to the implementation workflow. The group ensures that implementation of the recommendations from the NMC is regularly discussed and assessed.
– Implementation site: An intranet for the NSO and hospital pharmacies to share information and material related to the implementation of changes of medicines.
– A system to ensure that essential stakeholders receive the same information.
What has been achieved?
The structured implementation workflow has been a success and is now an integrated part of implementation. Evaluation shows that the workflow with knowledge sharing between relevant stakeholders is essential for effective implementation of changes of medicines, and it identifies discrepancies at national level.
What next?
The structured workflow is an integral part of managing the national implementation, and the workflow and outcomes will continue to undergo evaluation.
The workflow provides the basis for knowledge sharing and can easily be transferred to other healthcare settings.