Danish Network for Community Pharmacy Practice Research and Development

About the Network

The Danish Network for Community Pharmacy Practice Research and Development (DNCPPRD) is a collaborative initiative that brings together researchers, practitioners, academics, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing community pharmacy practice through rigorous research evidence and innovative developments.

Established in response to the evolving role of community pharmacists in Denmark's healthcare system, our network serves as a catalyst for transforming pharmacies into essential healthcare providers that contribute significantly to patient care, medication safety, and public health initiatives throughout the country.

Key Objectives

• Facilitating high-quality practice research in community pharmacy settings
• Bridging the gap between academic research and community pharmacy practice
• Developing and implementing innovative pharmacy services
• Enhancing patient outcomes through pharmacist-led interventions
• Providing educational opportunities for pharmacy professionals
• Fostering national and international collaborations
• Disseminating research findings to support evidence-based practice

Research Focus Areas

DNCPPRD conducts and supports research across various domains of community pharmacy practice:

Medication Safety

Our researchers investigate error prevention, medication reconciliation, deprescribing strategies, and systems to improve medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions.

Pharmaceutical Care Services

We develop and evaluate pharmaceutical care models including medication reviews, disease management programs, point-of-care testing, and clinical interventions in community pharmacy settings.

Public Health Initiatives

Our network explores the role of pharmacies in health promotion, disease prevention, vaccination programs, and addressing public health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance.

Pharmacy Workforce Development

We research educational interventions, continuing professional development, and workforce innovations to enhance the capabilities of community pharmacy teams.

Membership and Collaboration

DNCPPRD encompasses a diverse range of members and partners who contribute to our mission:

• Community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
• University researchers and lecturers
• Healthcare professionals from related fields
• Pharmacy students and residents
• Professional pharmacy organizations
• Regional health authorities
• International pharmacy practice research networks

Our collaborative model encourages cross-disciplinary projects and knowledge exchange between academic institutions and community pharmacy practices, ensuring research remains relevant and directly applicable to practice.

Member Institutions

• University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
• University of Southern Denmark - Department of Public Health
• Aarhus University - School of Pharmacy
• Danish Association of Pharmacists
• Danish Pharmaceutical Society
• Regional Pharmacy Organizations

Current Projects

Optimizing Medication Management for Elderly Patients

This multi-center study is evaluating a structured medication review service coordinated between community pharmacies and primary healthcare providers to reduce inappropriate prescribing among elderly patients.

Pharmacist-Led Hypertension Management Program

This project aims to implement and assess a comprehensive intervention by community pharmacists to support patients with hypertension through medication counseling, lifestyle advice, and regular monitoring.

Implementation of Point-of-Care Testing Services

Our researchers are developing guidelines and training modules for community pharmacists to provide various point-of-care testing services, including cholesterol, blood glucose, and streptococcus testing.

Digital Pharmacy Innovation Research

This program explores how digital technologies, including telepharmacy, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence, can enhance community pharmacy services and patient engagement.

Educational Initiatives

DNCPPRD is committed to educating the next generation of pharmacy practice researchers and advancing the knowledge and skills of current practitioners:

• Annual research methodology workshops for practicing pharmacists
• PhD opportunities and supervision in practice-based research
• Continuing professional development programs based on research evidence
• Webinars on emerging research findings and their practical applications
• National conference showcasing pharmacy practice research
• Collaboration with universities to integrate practice research into curricula

Research Training Program

Our flagship twelve-month research training program equips community pharmacists with the skills to design, implement, and disseminate practice-based research. Over 100 pharmacists have completed this program since its inception in 2015.

Resources and Publications

DNCPPRD provides various resources to support research and evidence-based practice:

• Practice research toolkit with methodological guides and templates
• Database of Danish community pharmacy research publications
• Policy briefs summarizing research implications for practice and regulation
• Quarterly research digest highlighting recent findings
• Online repository of validated data collection instruments
• Grant application guidance for pharmacy practice researchers

Key Publications

Our researchers regularly contribute to leading journals including Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, and the Danish Pharmaceutical Journal.

Selected recent publications include:

• "Danish Community Pharmacists' Perspectives on Future Practice Models" (2023)
• "Impact of Structured Medication Reviews on Patient Outcomes in Primary Care" (2022)
• "Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing New Pharmacy Services in Denmark" (2022)
• "Pharmacy-Based Vaccination Services: A Systematic Review of Danish Experiences" (2021)