This repository is a collection of research and scholarly output from Innopharma.
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Item Comparative Analysis of Global Access to Computed Tomography (CT) Services: Radiographers’ Experiences in Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa(2024)Background: Nigatu et al. (2023) reported only 14% of developing countries have one CT scanner per million inhabitants, compared with 100% of developed countries. This research aims to address access disparities in CT imaging between developed and developing regions, taking Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa as representative regions. The research examines the user experience of CT radiographers in each region to determine whether demographic and contextual factors may influence the user experience and/or access to CT imaging services. The research subsequently seeks to assess whether region-specific solutions could address access issues and usability challenges in each region, while advocating for inclusivity in medical imaging equipment design. Methodology: This research employed a positivist framework and an abductive approach to examine the user experience of CT radiographers in Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa. This was achieved through a semi-structured online questionnaire containing 30/31 questions which covered attitude, behavioural, classification and pre-coding questions. The questionnaire contained primarily closed questions, with some optional open questions to add contextual information, and covered demographic and contextual factors, usability assessments and ranking questions to address critical needs and priorities. The questionnaire was sent to CT radiographers in Ireland and SSA via social media and email distribution, achieving 52 responses in total, 31 from Ireland and 21 from Sub-Saharan Africa. Results: Several notable commonalities and differences were observed between the examined regions, both in terms of CT system usability and accessibility. However, the increased abundance of CT scanners in Ireland relative to SSA meant their shared challenges were of differing impacts in each region. Radiographers in both regions were generally satisfied with their overall user experience, although they identified both shared and unique areas for improvement when asked. Both cohorts identified issues with CT scanner hardware, particularly the scan table weight limit and gantry bore size. Others identified confusing or problematic user interface features. The most significant differences were in respondents’ rankings of critical needs and priorities, specifically CT access barriers, CT-related issues, and CT system features. Radiographers in Ireland were primarily concerned with workforce and training-related issues, as well as achieving diagnostic and technical accuracy. In contrast, radiographers in SSA were focused on financial and infrastructural challenges, also demonstrating a strong commitment to patient-centred care. Conclusion: This research underscores the need to implement region-specific strategies to enhance CT imaging services in both regions, with a focus on addressing their most critical needs and priorities rather than focusing on usability challenges. This is essential to improve patient care in both regions and ensure that progress is made toward achieving equitable healthcare.Item Post Market Surveillance: Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ perception and engagement in post market surveillance of medical devices(2024)Objective: Medical devices are essential to patient care. However, their use can cause unintentional harm to patients. It was this risk of harm which led the European Commission to harmonise and update regulations that govern their use and publish new regulations in 2017 known as EU MDR. A key focus within EU MDR is the post-market surveillance of medical devices once they become commercially available. Healthcare professionals use these devices daily in their work and it is their experience of device use that is critical in contributing to the post-market surveillance data. Despite this, research shows that device incidents are under reported, and that healthcare professionals make a very low level of contribution to the report rates. The objective of this research was to explore the knowledge healthcare professionals in the Irish public healthcare sector have of EU MDR and in particular post-market surveillance and its processes. It also aims to determine, what if any barriers exist to reporting medical device incidents and what they feel would support their engagement with post-market surveillance. Methods Ten qualitative interviews were conducted with experienced Irish healthcare professionals working in the Health Service Executive across a range of specialities and roles. They were asked about their knowledge of EU MDR, post-market surveillance and device serious incidents. Their opinion on device feedback and reporting of device incidents was gathered as were suggestions on the optimal approach to support their engagement with regulations and a post-market surveillance system. Results Knowledge of EU MDR and post-market surveillance was generally low. All participants recognised the relevance of monitoring and surveillance of devices and felt they would contribute to the process. However, fear of blame and consequences, time constraints, a lack of knowledge on the process and poor communication from suppliers may impact the rates of incident reporting. Healthcare professionals generally were open to learning about the regulations, providing robust solutions on how to achieve this (including increased training and awareness from the HSE, academic institutions and the regulator, the HPRA). Easy to use, intuitive and accessible systems would increase engagement with post-market surveillance. Conclusion Healthcare professionals in the Irish public healthcare system have a low level of knowledge of the medical device regulations, EU MDR. They recognise the relevance of the regulations and device incident reporting and, provided with the correct systems, education, training and awareness they could be encouraged to increase their engagement and therefore provide for more effective medical device port-market surveillance.Item Optimising dog anthelmintic selection and worming protocols for use in Ireland(2024)This dissertation relates to the use of anthelmintics for dogs in Ireland and the optimisation of the dosage type and protocols. It outlines the most common helminths found in dogs in Ireland as identified by subject matter experts (for the purpose of this research, the subject matter experts were chosen to be veterinarians). It outlines a series of factors which may be influencing pet owner compliance with anthelmintic dosing protocols. It also identifies the most suitable anthelmintic dosing protocol as advised by veterinarians. Recommendations for the most suitable anthelmintic dosage form are provided through surveys with dog owners and interviews with veterinarians. This dissertation was focused on dogs, dog owners and veterinarians working in Ireland. A mixed methodology method was used in this research. 202 surveys were conducted with dog owners and 12 interviews were carried out with veterinarians. The mixed methodology allowed for the combination of qualitative and quantitative data to be gathered for this research topic to get an understanding of the pet owners views in combination with veterinarian’s experience and knowledge. Roundworms were identified as the most common helminth present in dogs in Ireland. A clear lack of public awareness surrounding anthelmintic use, anthelmintic resistance and zoonosis was identified through this research. Based on the findings of this research, there is a need for improved public awareness surrounding the topic mentioned above. This could be done through various avenues such as infographics in public parks or through social media campaigns and various other methods. Secondly, a desire for improved regulation and control over the sale of anthelmintics for dogs in Ireland was identified during the interviews with veterinarians. This research provides valuable insights into Irish dog owners knowledge surrounding anthelmintic use, it identifies pet owners most preferable anthelmintic dosage form which could aid in providing improved pet owner compliance with dosing protocols. The most common helminth present in dogs in Ireland was also successfully identified and the most suitable anthelmintic, dosing method and protocols were also identified.Item Awareness, Benefits and Challenges to Digital Twin Adoption in the Irish Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Industry(2024)In this dissertation the awareness of Digital Twin adoption in the Irish Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical industry are investigated. The benefits of Digital Twins, and the technical and regulatory barriers to their adoption are studied. Research was conducted using a mixed-method approach of an online survey (n=109) and an interview that was thematically analysed (n=4). All participants currently work in the Irish Pharmaceutical or Biopharmaceutical industry. The interview process inclusion criteria required participants to have an expert level of knowledge in ‘Digital 4.0’ technology. The survey identified a low awareness level of Digital Twins within the industry generally. There is a notable skew towards lower knowledge levels outside of Automation and IT roles. The interviews supported this with three of the participants describing awareness as minimal and the fourth indicating that knowledge was limited to those directly involved in implementation. The lack of engagement from operations and quality stakeholders would be essential for widespread adoption and highlights a need for broader understanding. Furthermore, there is general confusion across all roles on the definition and purpose of a Digital Twin. The benefits of Digital Twins were considered significant by both survey and interview participants. A greater understanding of manufacturing processes and improved process yields were repeatedly identified as major potential benefits. The interview responses supported and emphasised that financial justifications from both a capital and sustaining perspective are essential. Therefore, investment should be directed strategically to obtain the greatest return. The chief technical barriers identified in the primary research were that of data and system integration. The regulatory barriers were not widely perceived as significant from the survey population. However, respondents that did feel they were significant identified vendor model regulatory compliance and traceability of data as the main barriers. The interview responses indicated the regulatory barriers were significant and that the lack of a regulatory framework or guidance around Digital Twin validation and implementation generally, is a critical barrier to broader adoption of Digital Twins within the industry.Item A study of material differences since the introduction of the High-Tech Hub order website - the acceptance and effectiveness of online technology in the healthcare product reimbursement process(2024)Objective: In this study it was shown that the introduction of the Health Service Executive High-Tech Hub (HTH) website, had a positive effect on the high-tech product procurement process. The research intention was to determine if users found the website easier to use than the alternate procurement system, and if the High-Tech website supported the end-to-end reimbursement and payment process more effectively. By identifying and understanding the critical success factors that impact user’s satisfaction of online systems. The significance of this study was, no comparative data had been recorded since HT Hub launch, to allow comparative analysis with the alternate procurement system. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed method approach, and was conducted through surveys with Irish community pharmacy, and interviews with pharmaceutical distribution companies. A combined total of 30 participants responded to the interviews and surveys. The data was collected and processed through Google Forms and Microsoft Office suite. Results: The data analysis identified acceptance by users of the High-Tech Hub online implementation, and the effective integration of the HSE HT website with pharmacies and product supplier systems. The challenge identified was the operation of two procurement systems for High Tech products. The data also identified the need to provide additional support for community pharmacies, with the growing need for pharmacy care. Conclusions: Based on this research, there is an opportunity for the HSE to fully integrate all High-Tech products on one online system, to bring greater efficiency and transparency to this €1Billion healthcare process.
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