On Thursday 25th January 2024, HISI and University of Galway co-hosted a captivating and informative ‘Symposium on Frontline Pharmacy Informatics’ covering both recent and established digital tools to support healthcare professionals in their clinical practice. Held in the impressive Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle, University of Galway, it proved to be an exceptional showcase of pharmacy services that add value, safety, and effectiveness to patient care.
There was much interest from our members and the pharmacy community across the country with 100 leading experts, clinical professionals, and innovators in attendance. After an inspiring opening address by Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences at the University of Galway, a wide variety of cutting-edge topics were discussed. These included implementation experiences of the Hospital Medicines Management System (HMMS) and the National Cancer Information System (NCIS), digital tools to improve medications safety and use of high alert medications in Galway University Hospitals, PCRS data analytics, CHI paediatric formulary app, Electronic Prescribing experience in St James’ Hospital, and the use of barcode scanning and traceability standards to track vaccines for improved medication safety.
Lots of networking and learning was evident throughout the day as real-world experiences were shared. Presenters stimulated great discussions during the question and answer sessions on the transformative impact of technology to improve safety and efficiency in the pharmacy domain. Professor John Given, head of pharmacy in Galway University Hospitals, wrapped up the symposium by commenting on extensive advances in pharmacy informatics in recent years and emphasising the power of collective knowledge, sharing of technology, and streamlining processes to improve patient outcomes.
We wish to extend a sincere thank you to University of Galway, Galway University Hospitals, our presenters and all attendees for an engaging symposium and very much look forward to more stimulating events like this.