This repository is a collection of research and scholarly output from Innopharma.
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Item An Investigation into The Implementation of An Electronic Document Management System to an Oral Solid Dose Manufacturing Site, an Evaluation of System Performance Indicators and User Perspectives.(2025-05)This dissertation critically examines the implementation of an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) on an Oral Solid Dose (OSD) pharmaceutical manufacturing site. The impact of an EDMS and its effects on document performance metrics, as well as user satisfaction and efficiency are investigated. This study aims to objectively review the introduction of an EDMS in a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in order to support future decision-making in relation to the digital transformation of document management systems to aid overall improved performance, and efficiency on site. This study adopts a combined quantitative and qualitative research design; where data was gathered from an OSD manufacturing site which had an EDMS deployed in case study style research. Quantitative numerical indicators, including document cycle times, process mapping steps, and time at each stage are collected and analytically reviewed. Further primary data was collected using a questionnaire, which was completed by 40 of the employees of the selected OSD manufacturing site, who are users of the recently implemented EDMS system. The questionnaire results provide further quantitative and qualitative data, as well as unique empirical insights into user satisfaction of the EDMS implemented. The findings of this research indicate that the implementation of the EDMS enhanced the document management process by streamlining the steps required, which reduced the process steps required from 11 steps to 8 steps. This resulted in a reduction of the average cycle time by 19.6%. This reduction in cycle time was indicative of a significant improvement in the time required for the review and approval stage which decreased by 46%. The key advantages identified through the user perspectives questionnaire included the increased visibility of workflow and document status, improved carbon footprint and access to affiliate and global documents across the organisational network. There were barriers identified including difficulty learning functionality, user resistance and digital literacy challenges which were prevalent in the immediate stage post-implementation. These challenges considerably reduced over time as user familiarity and confidence using the system increased. There were numerous recommendations provided on ways to improve future deployment and overall user satisfaction with an EDMS, which related to training, supporting documents and system interface enhancement. The research supports the implementation of an EDMS as an approach to enhance the document management process in a pharmaceutical manufacturing site. The adoption of a digitalised system has the potential to streamline document processing, improve document processing cycle time, reduce carbon footprint and allow greater visibility and control over document management tasks. These finding endorse the wider implementation of digitalised DMS and promote the wider digitalization of further systems within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industryItem Investigating Sustainability and Waste Management in Blister Packaging: A Comparative Study of Global Production Sites in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company.(2025-05)Blister packaging is the predominant format for oral solid-dose pharmaceutical products, valued for its protection and compliance benefits; however, its complex construction utilising multiple materials (PVC, PVDC, aluminium) renders most blister waste non-recyclable and harmful to the environment. A review of existing literature demonstrated detailed analyses of material properties and laboratory-scale separation techniques, but revealed four critical gaps: (1) a lack of site-level data on actual blister waste volumes and disposal methods; (2) limited evaluation of recycling technologies under real-world, GMP-compliant conditions; (3) insufficient insight into how regulatory frameworks (e.g., the EU Green Deal) translate into operational practice; and (4) minimal incorporation of packaging experts’ perspectives on barriers and enablers for sustainable change. To address these gaps, this study employed a mixed-method design, conducting an online survey of 30 subject-matter experts across 17 global blister-production sites. Quantitative questions captured annual waste tonnages (90–148,000 kg per site), waste-stream distributions (incineration most prevalent, recycling less common), and material selection drivers (performance rated highest, sustainability ranked lowest). Qualitative responses explored trial outcomes for sustainable alternatives, revealing that 88% of sites had conducted trials but only 11% achieved successful implementation, with performance concerns, lack of suitable alternatives, and high cost cited as primary barriers. The findings underscore the necessity of strengthening supplier partnerships to enhance alternative material robustness, expanding regulatory engagement to clarify recyclability requirements, and implementing systematic waste-monitoring frameworks to benchmark progress. By using these insights to construct an actionable plan, the pharmaceutical sector can take a crucial first step towards mitigating the environmental impact of blister packaging and fostering long-term sustainability in its global manufacturing network.Item Use of Blockchain Technology in reducing drug supply shortages in the Irish public healthcare system through cross-industry data-sharing of pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain data.(2025-05)The Irish public healthcare system is facing growing challenges due to recurring drug supply shortages, which significantly impact patient care and healthcare operations. This research investigates whether blockchain technology can serve as a viable solution to enhance transparency and data-sharing between pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers in Ireland, with the ultimate aim of reducing such shortages. The primary research question explores the feasibility of using blockchain to enable timely and secure sharing of manufacturing and supply chain data across public and private stakeholders. Supporting objectives include identifying current barriers in data access, evaluating blockchain’s benefits and technical integration challenges, and gauging stakeholder demand for cross-industry collaboration. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews. Surveys were completed by 45 professionals from healthcare, life sciences, supply chain, and regulatory backgrounds, selected through purposive sampling. The survey gathered perceptions on drug shortages, blockchain awareness, trust in datasharing, and governance preferences. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Analysis of Variance, and Chi-square testing. The qualitative phase consisted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six subject matter experts across the life sciences and healthcare domains. Thematic analysis was used to extract insights aligned with the study’s core objectives. Findings revealed broad awareness of drug shortages across all sectors, with manufacturing delays, supply chain fragility and quality, and lack of real-time data identified as critical factors. Participants viewed blockchain as a potentially transformative technology, particularly for improving traceability, trust, and data integrity. However, technical barriers, such as integration complexity, data standardisation, and regulatory compliance, were seen as significant adoption hurdles. Upstream processes, such as provision of quality raw material, and downstream processes, such as Ireland’s market size and drug approval practices, were highlighted and present significant challenges to drug manufacturing organisations. A consistent theme across interviews was the need for secure, permissioned data environments and proof-of-concept pilots to build trust and validate impact. The study concludes that blockchain holds promise in alleviating drug shortages through enhanced data-sharing and visibility, but successful adoption will depend on cross-sector collaboration, regulatory alignment, and demonstrable pilot outcomes. Recommendations include the development of national governance frameworks, implementation of limitedscale blockchain pilots, and the creation of funding models that support public-private partnerships to ensure system-wide scalability and sustainability.Item Implementing Virtual Wards: A Case Study on Doccla’s Acute Hospital Care Transformation(2025-05)This research study demonstrated that successful implementation of virtual wards in Ireland requires addressing a combination of factors. These factors span across technical, organisational, individual and process related considerations. Virtual wards were designed to deliver hospital level care to suitable patients in the comfort of their own homes, enabled through remote monitoring and digital technologies. It explored how virtual wards could be introduced effectively into the Irish healthcare system, including what lessons could be drawn from existing models of delivery elsewhere. This was enabled through a comprehensive literature review. Doccla was chosen as the focus of the case study, as they are the current supplier of the virtual ward service being piloted in Ireland. The research employed a qualitative case study methodology, situated within an interpretivist paradigm. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with five strategically selected healthcare professionals, representing diverse clinical and technical roles. Two participants had direct experience with virtual wards, while three offered perspectives from adjacent areas. Purposive sampling ensured participants possessed relevant expertise and insight. To identify patterns and relationships across responses, data was systematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. Eight key themes were identified, Patient Experience and Access, Resource Allocation, Staffing and Training, Technology and Infrastructure, Communication and Engagement, Clinical Governance, Integration of Care, and Implementation Strategy. Participants highlighted benefits such as high patient satisfaction, earlier discharge, and reduced hospital pressure. However, they also identified key challenges, including digital literacy gaps, poor internet connectivity, limited staff capacity, and the need for clear governance procedures and training for both staff and patients. Based on these findings, seven recommendations were developed to support healthcare providers and decision makers, in planning and delivering a successful virtual ward implementation in Ireland. The research offered practical guidance for expanding digital models of care, with the aim of improving system capacity while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.Item A Data-Driven Approach to mRNA Vaccine Acceptance in Ireland: Leveraging Big Data for Public Health Strategy(2025-05)In this study, it was revealed that uptake of mRNA vaccines in Ireland is shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, social, and informational determinants. In the context of the COVID19 pandemic, a data-driven approach was employed to establish the determinants of vaccine uptake, to inform public health policy. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among students, parents, healthcare workers, and the general population. Information was captured on the history of vaccination among respondents, willingness to receive future mRNA vaccines, familiarity with vaccine technology, perceived adverse effects, and trust in various sources of information. The results showed that overall mRNA vaccine acceptance was high but with persistent hesitancy among some subgroups due to safety concerns, apprehensions over long-term adverse effects, and a lack of understanding about how mRNA works. Participants who relied on health professionals and official health bodies as primary sources of information had the highest levels of acceptance. On the other hand, participants exposed primarily to vaccine-related information on social media or through word of mouth were more likely to be sceptical or hesitant. Misinformation, especially on social media, emerged as a significant stimulant for scepticism and confusion. The findings underscore the need for clear, open, and accessible public health communication in supporting vaccine confidence. The health institution and professional trust greatly boosted willingness to get mRNA vaccines, and hence the value of bringing in trusted individuals as part of future outreach efforts. Targeted communication that addresses directly held concerns, particularly in high-hesitancy populations such as those in rural or underserved settings, is essential. Equipping healthcare professionals with tools and training to address misinformation and encourage informed decision-making is advised by the research. While the study provided valuable quantitative findings, additional research employing qualitative or longitudinal study designs is suggested to determine shifting public opinion and underlying psychological reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The findings provide pragmatic recommendations for designing effective communication programs and enhancing public trust in vaccine programs in Ireland and other regions
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