Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Framework for identifying reference countries in drug safety evaluation: an application of the analytic hierarchy process.","authors":"Gyeyoung Choi, Seungjin Bae","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2676817","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2676817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective monitoring of global drug safety information is increasingly important for public health. However, the large volume of global safety data, combined with variations in pharmaceutical systems and national regulatory contexts, poses challenges in prioritizing relevant information. To address this challenge, this study aimed to develop a set of criteria for selecting reference countries when evaluating foreign drug safety data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Experts from academia and the pharmaceutical industry participated in focus group interviews (FGIs) to identify key factors for selecting reference countries. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then used to determine the relative importance of these factors. Additional FGIs were conducted to assess the validity of the resulting framework, including the relative weights of each criterion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 11 criteria were identified - six country-specific and five drug-specific. Among the country-specific criteria, 'countries officially being referenced' (weight = 0.374) and 'countries with strong pharmaceutical safety management' (0.256) were rated as most important. For drug-specific criteria, 'reliability of the report' (0.433) and 'accessibility of the report' (0.181) were prioritized. In contrast, criteria such as 'countries with advanced economies' (0.060) and 'drug's country of origin' (0.090) were considered less significant. Experts from both academia and industry generally supported the prioritization.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study proposes a structured, evidence-based framework for referencing overseas pharmaceutical safety information. By assigning relative weights to country - and drug-specific criteria, the framework facilitates more consistent and efficient decision-making by national regulatory authorities, particularly in contexts where global safety data are extensive and pharmaceutical regulatory environments vary significantly. Given its basis in a regulatory environment that heavily relies on foreign safety data, the framework may be adapted for use in other countries with similar pharmacovigilance needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2676817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13228168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustaining the workforce: job retention and workforce challenges among community pharmacists in Northern Ireland.","authors":"Kingston Rajiah, Eoghan Roe O Neill","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2677776","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2677776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Community pharmacists are vital to healthcare delivery in Northern Ireland, providing accessible patient care and public health services. However, the sector faces increasing challenges relating to job satisfaction, retention, and workforce stability. Existing evidence highlights systemic pressures, funding constraints, and limited career progression, but little is known about the lived experiences of pharmacists in Northern Ireland.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study used a descriptive design and thematic analysis to explore community pharmacists' perspectives on workforce challenges and retention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 pharmacists from across all six counties of Northern Ireland between January and May 2025. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure diversity in age, experience, and pharmacy type. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed inductively following Braun and Clarke's six-step framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six overarching themes were identified: (1) Professional fulfilment and identity, (2) Workplace culture and relationships, (3) Systemic pressures and workload burden, (4) Financial strain and limited career progression, (5) Workforce dynamics and generational shifts, and (6) Role development and professional support needs. Pharmacists derived satisfaction from patient rapport and role variety but reported these motivators were increasingly undermined by medicine shortages, workload intensity, unsustainable funding, and lack of structured career pathways. Generational changes and the appeal of locum work added further complexity, while enthusiasm for role expansion, particularly prescribing, was constrained by liability concerns and insufficient recognition.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Community pharmacists in Northern Ireland remain motivated by professional fulfilment and patient-centred care, but systemic, financial, and structural barriers threaten retention. Sustainable funding, digital innovation, clear career progression, and enhanced professional recognition are urgently needed to support workforce stability and ensure the future of community pharmacy services.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2677776"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13228167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"International patented medicine prices: how does Canada compare to the OECD? A descriptive analysis of list prices.","authors":"Nathaniel Dyrkton, Alexander C T Tam, Daphne P Guh, Aslam H Anis, Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2664886","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2664886","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Canada is known to have some of the highest patented medicine prices among high-income countries, yet few analyses have elucidated if prices are high across different subgroups of patented medicines. We conducted a comparative analysis of patented medicine list prices across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries from the Canadian perspective.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cohort of prescription patented medicine markets, defined as unique molecule, dosage form and strength level combinations, that had positive sales and sales volume in 2023, was defined for each of the 34 included OECD countries using IQVIA MIDAS quarterly sales data. We estimated bilateral price ratios between an OECD comparator country and Canada in 2023, weighted according to Canadian sales volumes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 1,722 markets in Canada were included and only a subset were present in comparator countries (range: 297-1,156). Canada had the 10th highest prices when accounting for purchasing power parity (PPP-USD). Canadian prices in the hospital sector were ranked 17th. Canada's price ranking for orphan patented medicines was relatively lower, regardless of whether they were biologics (16th) or not (13th). Prices were relatively higher in markets with no within-class competition (5th), markets in the top 50 by sales volume (6th), and markets older than 10 years (8th).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In certain market segments, patented medicine list prices in Canada tended to be positioned closer to the median of the included comparator countries; however, policymakers should be concerned with comparatively high prices in markets with no within-class competition and high sales volume.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2664886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148138288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Japan essential medicine list and medicine supply issues: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Camila Heredia, Hayase Hakariya, Akihiko Ozaki, Navindra Persaud","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2664884","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2664884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Essential medicines lists aim to improve access, affordability, and quality of medicines, though their impact on pricing and supply varies. Japan's universal coverage addresses key EML policy areas but faces drug shortages linked to generic drug promotion. This cross-sectional analysis of secondary data explores EML inclusion in the context of medicine supply issues in Japan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed Japan's 2024 EML using data from the April 2024 Pharmaceutical Supply Survey. Unique medicines were defined by active ingredient and route. Duplicates, combinations, and non-essential categories were excluded. Supply issues were counted per medicine, but for total supply issue analysis, each medicine was counted only once.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analysed 1107 unique medicines from Japan's 2024 pharmaceutical supply survey. Of these, 401 (36.2%) had shipping or supply issues. Among 167 medicines listed in Japan's 2024 EML, 80 (47.9%) had shipping issues. Most medicines with or without issues were not on the EML. A total of 847 entries described supply limitations for the 401 affected medicines. Causes included drug price deletion, quality issues, manufacturing problems, increased demand, and raw material shortages. For example, widely used essential medicines like amlodipine and metformin, not on Japan's EML, also had reported supply issues.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>One-third of medicines analysed had shipping issues, affecting nearly half of those on Japan's 2024 EML. Shipping issues spanned therapeutic areas, with antibiotics most affected. This aligns with global findings linking essential medicine status and shortages, though our findings describe shipping issue patterns at a single point in time. Factors include low pricing and quality issues. Ongoing updates to the EML and a national strategy are essential to ensure availability of priority medicines.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2664884"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13220582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148138214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human resources for antimicrobial stewardship: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis.","authors":"Somying Pumtong, Luerat Anuratpanich, Sermsiri Sangroongruangsri, Saranya Khunjan, Wacharapol Saengsiwaritt, Ukrit Sittiboot, Anh Phuong Ngoc Ta, Kumthorn Malathum, Nithima Sumpradit, Saowalak Turongkaravee","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670702","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, and antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) are a cornerstone strategy to optimise antimicrobial use. International guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary teams; however, evidence describing how stewardship functions are organised, and quantified across professional groups remains fragmented, particularly outside high-income settings. This review synthesised evidence on stewardship functions, activities, and reported full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing patterns.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, CABI, and grey-literature sources were searched to November 2025. Studies reporting stewardship functions, activities, or FTE involvement among infectious disease (ID) physicians, ID clinical pharmacists, infection control nurses (ICNs), clinical microbiologists, and hospital epidemiologists were included. Narrative synthesis mapped functions across professional groups. Where data permitted, exploratory post-hoc quantitative synthesis of reported FTEs by hospital bed capacity was conducted using random-effects models. Study quality and bias were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty studies met the inclusion criteria: 44 described stewardship functions and activities, and seven reported FTE data. Responsibilities were distributed across professional groups: ID physicians and ID clinical pharmacists were mainly involved in prescribing oversight and optimisation, ICNs in monitoring and education, clinical microbiologists in diagnostic stewardship, and hospital epidemiologists in surveillance and reporting. Reported FTE involvement varied widely across hospital sizes and contexts, reflecting heterogeneity in design, role definitions, and reporting practices. Exploratory pooled estimates suggested higher reported ID physicians and ID clinical pharmacists involvement with larger hospitals; however, this pattern was affected by heterogeneity and publication bias and should be interpreted as descriptive, not generalisable.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Current evidence does not support definitive staffing benchmarks for antimicrobial stewardship. This review highlights variability in how stewardship functions are organised and resourced. Future research should improve comparability through consistent reporting of stewardship activities, workforce roles, and institutional context.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2670702"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13218311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148138300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing community pharmacists' practices and strategies to minimize medication dispensing errors: a Jordanian study.","authors":"Mohanned S Jallad, Karem H Alzoubi, Faten Odeh, Fahmi Y Al-Ashwal, Rana K Abu-Farha","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670695","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670695","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study was to examine community pharmacists' adherence to best medication dispensing practices, their awareness of medication dispensing errors, perceived risk factors, and strategies for minimising errors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted over six weeks (March-April 2024) among Jordanian community pharmacists. A validated, self-administered questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to dispensing practices (17-item Likert scale), awareness of medication dispensing errors, perceived risk factors, and preventive strategies. Data were analysed using SPSS.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>Of the 214 pharmacist participants, high levels of adherence were reported for verifying contraindications (77.1%), counselling on proper dosage (78.5%), and timing of medication administration (79.0%); however, low levels of adherence were found for counselling on missed doses (34.6%), adverse drug reactions (40.7%), and documenting pharmacist interventions (36.9%). Major perceived risk factors for medication dispensing errors included inadequate education (67.3%), vague prescriptions (66.8%), similar medication names (61.7%), and excessive workload (54.2%). Additionally, attending a medication dispensing errors workshop was positively correlated with adherence to the best dispensing practices amongst community pharmacies in Jordan (<i>β</i> = 0.183, <i>p</i> = 0.007).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Jordanian community pharmacists demonstrate strong adherence to essential dispensing practices and substantial awareness of common medication errors. However, gaps remain in counselling, documentation, and recognition of less obvious errors. Targeted continuing education, structured workflows, and system-level interventions - such as electronic prescribing and optimised staffing - are essential to further reduce dispensing errors and enhance patient safety in community pharmacy settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2670695"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13202674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148042557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Landscape of national antibiotic utilisation in Malaysia: an analysis of national pharmaceutical sales data from 2019 to 2023.","authors":"Audrey Huili Lim, Norazida Ab Rahman, Siti Nur Su'Aidah Nasarudin, Abdul Haniff Mohamad Yahaya, Mardhiyah Kamal, Marziaty Shazreena Mohd Shah, Nurul Hidayah Awang, Benedict Lim Heng Sim, Suresh Kumar Chidambaram, Sheamini Sivasampu, Peter Seah Keng Tok","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2668477","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2668477","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evaluating national antibiotic use is crucial for understanding the drivers of antimicrobial consumption and resistance, to develop targeted strategies that promote rational antibiotic use amid limited existing evidence. The aim of this study was to examine the trends and patterns in national antibiotic utilisation and associated expenditure in Malaysia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>National pharmaceutical sales data from IQVIA was used to obtain data on antibiotics from 2019 to 2023. Antibiotic utilisation rate was presented as defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day and expenditure as total cost in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) per 1000 inhabitants. The proportion of antibiotics was further classified into Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) categories. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was used to calculate the changes in utilisation and expenditure rate over time.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, two-thirds of the total antibiotic utilisation was contributed by primary care and the utilisation in the private sector was higher than that in the public sector for both primary care and hospitals. Antibiotic utilisation rate showed a non-significant change in trend between 2019 and 2023 (CAGR = -0.25%; <i>p</i> = 0.869). Annual antibiotic expenditure was MYR3525.90 per 1000 inhabitants in 2019 and MYR3822.37 per 1000 inhabitants in 2023, but also exhibited a non-significant trend change (CAGR = 3.1%; <i>p</i> = 0.869). The Access category antibiotics accounted for 56.0% of total antibiotic usage, with varying proportions observed between hospitals and clinics and public-private setting. Access-to-Watch Index was 3.18 in public and 1.14 in the private sector. The highest proportion of Watch antibiotics was in private hospitals and the Access antibiotics were highest in public clinics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While the antibiotic utilisation rate showed a fairly stable trend, the proportion of Access antibiotics falls short of the 60% target set by the WHO. Study findings contribute to informing efforts to strengthen and target stewardship efforts in Malaysia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2668477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13195718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148015623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stakeholders' views on the development and adoption of health policies related to pharmacist scope of practice and the pharmacy practice environment in Australia.","authors":"Simone Diamandis, Tracey Thornley, Shalom Charlie Isaac Benrimoj, Sarah Dineen-Griffin","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670703","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Translating research on Pharmacy Practice Environments and Pharmacists' Scope of Practice (PPEAPSOP) into actionable policy requires a comprehensive understanding of policy components, underpinning processes, and identifying barriers and enablers influencing policy formulation and adoption. This research examined the influences on the development and adoption of PPEAPSOP policies and whether frameworks, theories or models (FTMs) are employed to support these processes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Three focus groups and ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, adopting a qualitative design between May and September 2025. Participants were identified using the RISA tool and included pharmacists, medical practitioners, organisational, government and consumer representatives. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed and deductively thematically analysed using NVivo and a 16-item checklist.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six participants participated in focus groups (<i>n</i> = 16) and semi-structured interviews (<i>n</i> = 10). Six themes 'Actors', 'Narratives', 'Politics', 'Environment', 'Structural and Systemic Factors' and 'Implications' and twenty-five sub-themes were identified. Barriers included misalignment or opposition to PPEAPSOP policies, risks to expanded scope, structural and systemic factors and political influences. Enablers included alignment and collaboration, narratives with contextualised evidence, diffusion, innovation and future implications. Medical practitioners and government participants focused more on 'Implications' and 'Risks' compared to pharmacists and consumers, who focused more on 'Narratives' and 'Evidence'. Established FTMs were underutilised by policymakers and decision makers in the development or adoption of PPEAPSOP policies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The development and adoption of PPEAPSOP policies depend on alignment amongst policy actors, navigation of systemic constraints, strategic foresight of policy implications, and a narrative grounded in robust evidence, =contextualised to the policy environment. Current approaches to the development and adoption of PPEAPSOP policies highlight gaps, underscoring the need for a flexible framework for policymakers and decision makers to strengthen and accelerate policy outcomes. Exploration of a framework may align key components and support more coherent, evidence-informed approaches to targeted policy development and adoption.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2670703"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13195713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148015866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equipping pharmacists to improve osteoporosis management for aged care residents: a pilot study.","authors":"Catherine Laird, Kylie A Williams, Helen Benson","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2669623","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2669623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Osteoporosis is a common yet poorly managed condition among aged care residents. This suboptimal management results from medication-related issues, including undertreatment, inappropriate medication choice, and inadequate monitoring. Pharmacists working in aged-care settings have expressed a desire to improve osteoporosis management. However, gaps in their knowledge about osteoporosis management for aged care residents hinder their ability to do so. Providing pharmacists with education on best practices for osteoporosis management could help address this gap. This study pilots an osteoporosis management education initiative for aged care pharmacists and assesses its acceptance and impact on clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An education initiative, based on Australian clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations for osteoporosis management of aged care residents, was developed and delivered to pharmacists. The pharmacist's acceptance of the initiative and its impact on clinical practice were evaluated through a questionnaire, focus groups, and content analysis of medication review reports completed pre- and post-attending the education initiative.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The education initiative was delivered to 33 pharmacists, and the content of 1030 medication reviews (515 pre- and 515 post-) was examined. The education initiative was positively received by pharmacists and found to improve their knowledge of osteoporosis. A statistically significant increase in the number of residents for whom medication-related problems relating to osteoporosis management was identified (<i>χ</i> ²(1,1030) = 13.476, <i>p</i> < .001) was observed following the education initiative. However, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme criteria, a desire to avoid polypharmacy and lack of interprofessional collaboration, were found to be barriers to these medication-related problems being resolved.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The education initiative showed an increase in pharmacists' knowledge and prioritisation of osteoporosis management for aged care residents. Barriers to these improvements in residents' osteoporosis care were identified. Addressing these barriers is essential if pharmacists' potential to enhance osteoporosis management in aged care residents is to be realised.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2669623"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13195720/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148016108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement information (PPRI): evolution and impact of a policy network over two decades.","authors":"Sabine Vogler, Friederike Windisch, Verena Knoll, Katharina Kieslich","doi":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670697","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20523211.2026.2670697","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2005, the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) network of public authorities was established to offer a platform for information exchange among authorities responsible for pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement. The article reviews the evolution of PPRI over its twenty years of existence and aims to identify its contributions to policymakers and the research community as well as areas for future development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on a framework of structure, process and outcome indicators, adapted from the Donabedian Model, the article examines developments regarding membership in terms of geographic and thematic scope, governance, procedures for intra-network exchange of information as well as stakeholder engagement, and outcomes in terms of scientific output and spin-off activities. The review was informed by grey and peer-reviewed literature as well as unpublished information within the PPRI network.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The PPRI network has evolved from a European group into a global network, comprising approximately 80 public authorities in pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement from 50 countries. Its thematic focus remains pricing and reimbursement policies, and additionally, the PPRI network addressed several related topics. In 2018, a sub-group on medical devices (PPRI MD) was established. PPRI mainly serves its members by facilitating informed discussion at face-to-face and online meetings, and through internal queries on timely and policy-related topics. PPRI-sourced data has been published, including country information such as PPRI Pharma Profiles and Briefs, and scientific studies based on cross-country analyses. PPRI conferences offer an opportunity for disseminating scientific output and engaging with stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PPRI is a network that has proven its value to policymakers by fostering information exchange as well as by producing reliable and relevant evidence. Success factors identified include a robust governance structure with clear responsibilities, a dedicated Secretariat as a coordinating function and the safe-space character of the network for its members.</p>","PeriodicalId":16740,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"2670697"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13192097/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148015589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}