Option 2 - Development of MOIC: Innovating rural pharmacy

Theme 3 asks Innovation – What Is Really Happening?

Development of the Regional Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) is presented by Dr Glenda Fleming followed by Anthony McDavitt's talk on Innovating rural pharmacy – similar needs, different approach.

Glenda Fleming studied pharmacy at Queen’s, Belfast and, after completing pre-registration training and registering with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland, returned to Queen’s to undertake a PhD. Following a short period of working as research fellow for the Northern Ireland Centre for Postgraduate Pharmaceutical Education and Training (NICPPET), she moved to Health & Social Care (HSC) R&D Office where she worked as a Programme Manager. In this role she contributed to the implementation of the HSC R&D Strategy, developed policies and procedures governing the conduct of R&D, and provided leadership in the co-ordination of pharmaceutical R&D throughout NI. During her career, Glenda has gained over 16 years experience, on a part-time basis, in community pharmacy and has taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

‘Development of the Regional Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC)’

This presentation will explore the development of the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC). This regional centre was established in October 2015, with the purpose of ensuring better health outcomes for the population through the consistent delivery of best practice relating to the use of medicines. Medicines optimisation is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and as the complexity of medication regimens increases. Our aim is to work towards better patient outcomes by initiating, developing and sharing best practice with regards to medicines use. This is achieved using a combination of research, innovation, quality improvement and knowledge transfer.  Key initiatives for MOIC include:

• involvement in research and service development projects to improve patient care
• knowledge transfer in relation to pharmacy systems developed in NI
• continued development of integrated technology solutions
• building a culture of partnership and collaboration for joint working
• training and development of other Health Care Professionals through welcoming visitors to NI periods lasting up to 5 months.

Anthony McDavitt has worked with and within NHS Shetland since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2012. He has experience of working within community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and primary care pharmacy settings. He is currently employed as an Advanced Clinical Pharmacist & Prescribing Advisor in Primary Care for NHS Shetland. Anthony was NHS Shetland’s first Primary Care Clinical Pharmacist, working across the 10 General Practices in NHS Shetland. The service has developed since his appointment, where he now provides clinical patient-facing capacity and leadership for his Clinical Pharmacist and Specialist Technician colleagues who are delivering clinics and services across Shetland in areas such as long-term condition management, supporting social care services, prescribing support and logistical services.

‘Innovating rural pharmacy – similar needs, different approach’

Pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy is needed by patients wherever they live. Pharmacists should be equipped to meet these needs and the modern general practice clinical pharmacist needs to evolve to meet those challenges. Using all the skills and each member of the pharmacy team is central to Anthony’s work in Shetland. The skills needed must be built on and developed. Within Shetland, community pharmacists are now involved in meeting pharmaceutical care needs remotely with an increasing use of videolink. This also allows isolated Care Homes and island surgeries to link with clinical pharmacists in both community and primary care settings. Face-to-face assessments will always have a place. In particular, the role of the technician and the unique skills they have is now recognised and in demand, particularly when medicine administration assessment is required.  Pharmacy is developing fast in remote areas, and with 40% of community pharmacies having robots there is more time for pharmaceutical care. Anthony’s presentation will describe pharmacy on the edge in a rapidly changing profession.