Developing a national medicines information strategy in Finland—A stakeholders’ perspective on the strengths, challenges and opportunities in medicines information

Abstract Purpose and setting The Finnish Medicines Agency was mandated to develop a national medicines information strategy. The objectives of this study were to assess stakeholders’ views on strengths, challenges and opportunities in medicines information for the basis of the strategy. Methods Interviews among stakeholder representatives ( n = 28) from patient organizations, universities, pharmacies, and professional associations in medicine, pharmacy and nursing were conducted in 2011. Interview memos were thematically content-analysed. The draft strategy was finalized through two public hearings and a public consultation. Results Stakeholders highlighted the need to increase cooperation and coordination in medicines information. The existence of numerous quality- and evidence-based medicines information sources was identified as a strength; although the stakeholders were concerned about the fragmented and unequal access to them. The strengthening of the role of health care professionals in communicating about medicines was seen as an opportunity, but its realization requires improvements in basic and continuing education. Furthermore, the stakeholders emphasized the importance of uniform medicines information regardless of source. Conclusions Stakeholders identified multiple strengths, challenges and opportunities in medicines information that were fundamental to developing the national medicines information strategy. An inventory of stakeholder perspectives can be recommended as a tool to support decision-making in pharmaceutical policy.