Postgraduate research opportunities An Exploration of Pharmacy Innovations: What Does the Future Hold?

The use of digital and technological innovations is increasing within all sectors to create “smart products, smart processes and smart procedures” (1). Within pharmacy, increasing the of such innovations is a long-term strategic goal of international relevance to facilitate the safe and effective medicines management (2). Example innovations in primary and secondary care settings includes electronic health records, electronic prescribing, medication dispensing technology, remote consultations, and online pharmacies.

Stakeholder engagement is imperative to ensure the research agenda is informed by the evidence-base and various stakeholders. The initial research aim, therefore, is to scope the use and priorities surround pharmacy-related digital and technological solutions. The specific areas of focus can be co-designed with the PhD applicant, who may wish to select a specific innovation of interest to them.

This project aligns with various Scottish healthcare strategies and will increase capacity to support patients in primary or secondary care. The project will be multi-disciplinary and the methods will be exploratory and could draw upon the fields of Implementation Science and/or  Human Factors and Ergonomics. Methods to be adopted will likely be exploratory, which may include co-design workshops; interviews; focus groups; consensus methods; questionnaires; task analysis; observations etc.

References

1. Alcácer V, Cruz-Machado V. Scanning the Industry 4.0: A Literature Review on Technologies for Manufacturing Systems. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal. 2019;22(3):899-919.
2. Westerling AM, Haikala V, Airaksinen M. The role of information technology in the development of community pharmacy services: Visions and strategic views of international experts. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. 2011;7(4):430-7.