Establishing specialist interest groups in pharmaceutical processes

Abstract

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focus on a specific area of interest and require collaboration from their members to develop solutions, advancements, and innovations in a particular field. SIGs have made significant contributions to sustainable health-related processes and developments across various domains. The pharmaceutical sector in Malta is expected to benefit from the establishment of SIGs. The study aimed to establish a SIG in the pharmaceutical sector. This involved (1) identifying areas of interest and (2) setting up a SIG. In Phase I, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 17 professionals from the community (n=6), hospital (n=6), and industry (n=5). The purpose was to gather data on potential topics of interest for SIGs, motivations, and barriers to joining a SIG. A questionnaire was created and validated for stakeholders from industry, hospital, and community pharmacies. During the second phase of the study, a standard operating procedure was developed based on literature on established SIGs and the FGD results, and was then validated. The final version was used as a guide to establish a SIG. A concept paper on SIGs as tools for continuous professional development was submitted to the journal of the International Pharmaceutical Federation and highlighted several key themes, such as the impact, the increased recognition, and the significance of continuing professional development when conducted through a SIG. FGD Results: A common barrier related to setting up and joining SIGs was lack of time (n=15). Topics of interest mentioned included Pharmacy of your Choice procedures and dispensing (n=3), extemporaneous compounding (n=2), and medical devices (n=3). Questionnaire results: Out of the 202 respondents, 134 (67%) believe that the biggest hurdle to join a SIG is the lack of support, followed by lack of time (64%, n=128). More than half of the respondents chose extemporaneous compounding 54% (n=110), medicines information 54% (n=109), and medication management 51% (n=103). Respondents preferred having both virtual and face-to-face meetings, once a month for one-hour duration, and having activities such as training, workshops, and webinars. The study explored the perception of local professionals on establishment of SIGs. Findings of the research revealed that there is a common interest on extemporaneous compounding across all areas of practice.