Consider collaboration instead of reinvention

Whilst the MHRA idea is laudable, such a databse would only be worth considering if the MHRA have an end product in mind that is substantially better than the Datapharm website at medicines.org.uk. If this is not the case, then the MHRA should consider collaborating with Datapharm to place all SPCs and leaflets (on Rama XL) on the medicines.org website.

The benefits to the public and healthcare professionals of having an authoritative, up-to-date database available at their fingertips is very obvious, but only if they know where to find it and how to use it.

Collaborating with Datapharm should greatly reduce the cost of the project. The money saved can be used :

-to incease the awareness of members of the public and the healthcare professionals about the availability of the database and

-to consider better methods of sharing the information widely with all users

Involving PCTs and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain in this process is a must.

Why the contribution is important

The idea of collaboration is not new but it it is important because reinventing the wheel would need substantial resources, from a financial and time point of view and it is important to ensure that this is taken into consideration particualry when one considers the fact there are many other important items on the MHRAs agenda and resources are stretched to the limit.

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lynmynott
Posted by lynmynott March 01, 2010 at 05:38PM
We have used Datapharm before and found it helpful although I seem to remember that not all the information was available - if the pharmaceutical company didn't give it. The MHRA could make this obligatory. Definitely worth collaborating.
morpaul
Posted by morpaul March 03, 2010 at 08:41AM
Quite agree about not duplicating.
gmynors
Posted by gmynors March 03, 2010 at 04:32PM
Strongly agree. I think it's wrong that the MHRA hasn't referred to the existing electronic medicines compendium when laying out the background to this proposal - very misleading to the public who will think it's a new idea, rather than something which already exists.

Who will pay for this proposed new database? Presumably the pharma industry in some form. If so, and they cease to fund the electronic medicines compendium, what will happen to the excellent Medicines Guides also produced by Datapharm (see http://medguides.medicines.org.uk/) They would potentially be the casualty.
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