Changes in pharmacy systems in the Nordic countries – evidence based or an ideological playground?

The pharmacy systems have undergone fundamental changes in some Nordic countries, whereas in some other countries such developments are currently under discussion. The changes have been studied with the recognition of underlying ideological and political motivations, and also often with unintended consequences. As researchers, we want to share the evidence of pharmacy system reforms in order to be able to learn between Nordic countries, and furthermore, to identify critical needs for pharmaceutical policy research in the future.

Thus, the aims of the webinar are to
• describe the measures taken in Nordic countries towards pharmacy system effectiveness and the evidence of the outcomes,
• discuss policy changes in pharmacy systems, and the arguments and ideologies behind them,
• highlight the need for future research of pharmacy system policies.

This will be the first Pharmaceutical Policy Webinar starting an annual discussion forum between the Nordic countries on various pharmaceutical policy issues.

Organizers: pharmaceutical policy researchers from the University of Copenhagen, University of Eastern Finland, University of Iceland, University of Oslo, Uppsala University and University of Tartu.
The Webinar is organized within the Nordic POP -collaboration between 10 Nordic partner universities and 5 affiliated Baltic universities.

Target groups: decision makers, authorities, pharmaceutical sector stakeholders, researchers, students, all interested in pharmaceutical policy issues.

Registrations by 31.3.2024. Welcome!

Program

Please note that the event time follows the time in Finland and Estonia. The webinar starts at 12:00 in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Chair: Katri Hämeen-Anttila, professor, University of Eastern Finland, School of Pharmacy

13:00 Opening remarks & welcome

13:10 Ideologies behind the health care and pharmacy policies – what are they?
Ulrika Winblad, professor, Uppsala University, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences

13:30 Pharmacy systems in Nordic countries: current regulations
Leena Reinikainen, Development Specialist, Finnish Medicines Agency FIMEA

13:45 Questions and comments for the first speakers
Short break & stretch

14:00 Intended and unintended consequences of pharmacy reforms – The Swedish case
Sofia Kälvemark-Sporrong, professor, University of Uppsala, Department of Pharmacy

Short comments
• Iceland: Anna Birna Almarsdottir, professor, University of Copenhagen, Department of Pharmacy
• Estonia: Daisy Volmer, associate professor, University of Tartu, Department of Pharmacy
• Norway: Ingunn Björnsdottir, associate professor, University of Oslo, Department of Pharmacy.

14:30 Questions and comments for the speakers

15:00 Discussion: pharmacy systems and reforms
• sharing experiences and thoughts within small groups
• general discussion with all participants.

16:00 Closing remarks and end of the webinar.

For further information, please contact Professor Katri Hämeen-Anttila, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, email katri.hameen-anttila@uef.fi, tel. +358 40 355 2425.