The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) was established in 1994 and it became an official association (under Dutch law) in 2004.
Pharmaceutical Care is the pharmacist's contribution to the care of individuals, in order to optimize medicines use and improve health outcomes.
The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe strongly believes that in order to develop high quality research, you need to continually update yourself, and exchange expertise and experience with colleagues in the same research field. Workshops and working conferences are organised in that context.
On the 2nd and 3rd of November 2009, two symposia were organised by the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe at the University of Geneva's science building. Researchers from all over Europe used this opportunity to network, and to contribute to the concepts behind such topics as medication errors, drug-related problems and medication review.
The PCNE classification for Drug-related problems is widely used. However, it needed to be updated according to the most recent conceptual developmens For this sympsoium, PCNE developped a three-step model for medication review, that is based on the available information in different the practice setting.
PCNE would like to thank the Departments of Pharmacy of the Universities of Geneva & Lausanne for their wonderful organisational support
Defining DRPs and medication errors and their relationships.
Chair: Nina Griese, Germany
The definitions of DRPs and Medication errors are different but seem alike. But the words ‘Problem’ and ‘Error’ indicate clear differences. There are medication errors that have no or not necessarily impact on outcomes, not even potentially (timing errors in administration). There are also DRPs that are not medication errors (the occurrence of ADRs). What is the overlap? Are medication errors possible causes for drug-related problems? What are valid definitions?
The PCNE classification 5.1 vs 6.
Chair: Foppe van Mil, the Netherlands
Are all problems in the V5.1 indeed DRPs or causes? Did we cover all problems, or are there unmentioned DRPs. Is the proposed V6 the solution or are more adaptations necessary.
Usability and validity of a classification.
Chair: Tommy Westerlund, Sweden
Many assessors (researchers and/or pharmacists) do not find a (any) classification easy to use. Can this be mended? Is some sort of training desirable/necessary, and under what circumstances? Can a DRP classification be applicable for both community and hospital? Can it be used for documenting problems in retrospective medication review? What needs to be adapted for optimal usability?
The simple medication review.
Chair: Patrick Eichenberger, Switzerland
Participants will discuss a simple medication review, based on the medication history in the pharmacy. What are the problems that can be detected (drug-drug interactions, some side-effects, unusual dosages and some adherence issues)? How to perform the review?
The Intermediate medication review.
Chair: Anders Ekedahl, Sweden
An intermediate review can be performed when the patient can be approached for information. Such a review is based on medication history and patient information. What are the problems that can be detected (drug-drug interactions, some side-effects, unusual dosages adherence issues, drug-food interactions, effectiveness issues, side effects, and possible problems with OTC medications)? How to perform the review?
The advanced medication review.
Chair: Nina Griese, Germany
The advanced medication review. Chair: Nina Griese, Germany An advanced medication review is based on medication history, patient information and clinical information. What are the problems that can be detected (drug-drug interactions, some side-effects, unusual dosages adherence issues, drug-food interactions, effectiveness issues, side effects, and possible problems with OTC medications)? But the advanced review would also make it possible to look at issues around indications related problems (indication without a drug and drugs without indication), and possibly also dosage issues based on laboratory data, antibiotic appropriateness, adherence to clinical guidelines & formularies etc..