Healthcare professionals’ needs for a digital Maltese medicines information system

Abstract

Drug Information sources used in Malta by healthcare professionals include the British National Formulary (BNF), the Maltese Medicines Handbook and the Malta Medicines Authority (MMA) database. These sources have limitations, highlighting the need for an integrated information system that provides readily accessible information on medicinal products available on the Maltese market for healthcare professionals.

• To identify and assess number of medicinal products in MMA database that feature in the BNF • To explore an approach to data integration and digital frameworks for medicines information systems

Phase 1 - Out of the 800 items analysed, the number of items in the MMA database that were found in the BNF was 687 items (86%) whilst 112 items (14%) were not found in the BNF. The 687 medicinal products that were in the MMA database and were found in the BNF were further analysed according to information available on strength and formulation.

Phase 2 - After identifying gaps between the MMA database and BNF listings, an IT expert was consulted about digital integration. The consultation indicated that a multidisciplinary team of at least three experts would be required for the development of a digital information system: 1. Software - Website Developer (to build the interface and infrastructure) 2. Machine-learning - AI specialist (to maintain data relevance and optimisation) 3. Pharmaceutical expert (to validate the information

Conclusion: This study highlights gaps between the MMA database and BNF listings. Such discrepancies may affect healthcare professionals’ access to complete and locally relevant medicines information. The findings support further research into healthcare professionals’ expectations, as well as the development of proposals for an online medicines information system. They also emphasise the increasing availability of online information and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in supporting medicines information systems. A national proposal for a digital Maltese medicines information system that leverages on informatics and AI-enabled tools can be subsequently developed to strengthen locally relevant real-time medicines information. Emerging digital frameworks such as the medicX-KG2 can support structured data integration to enhance clinical decision-making.