Second meeting of European Psychopharmacists

Lille 22nd-23rd November 1997

Present;-

Miriam Leech (Ireland), Walter Broekema(Netherlands), Bernard Schueler (Netherlands), Morag Martin (Scotland), Marie-Lise Biscay (France), Fernand Mathot (Belgium), Jacqueline Surugue (France), Gina Wildeshaus (Germany), Jeannine Peters (Belgium), Cecile van den Eynde (Belgium), Willy de Boever (Belgium), Johan Reytens (Belgium), Stephen Bazire (England), David Branford (England), Emilio Yanguas (Spain), Merethe Enstad (Norway).

Steves notes;-

1. EAHP

Jacqueline had met Ged Lee in London. EAHP were enthusiastic about a SIG (EAHP-PSY) but the mechanics were difficult. Running a half day at an EAHP conference would be expensive (£260 just for the registration fee, accommodation/food/travel on top). Jacqueline to act as "go between" for Euro-psychopharmacists and EAHP. EAHP aiming to defend interests of hospital pharmacists in Europe (especially politically). It was again noted that not all UKPPG members are hospital pharmacists.

Lundbeck had offered to run a Euro-meeting in Copenhagen next year, with up to 5 or so delegates from each country. This idea was greeted enthusiastically.

2. Structure of EURO-PSY

Agreed;-

1997-1999;-

Belgium to hold organisation for 2 years, then rotate to another country (e.g. Netherlands).

3. Training courses

UK - Dave Branford explained about low level of teaching of PP in UK Schools of Pharmacy. The main areas of need were;-
a. Community Pharmacists who generally have a low level of knowledge of psychiatry but deal with most patients - UKPPG has helped CPPE with modules.
b. Hospital pharmacists with low level knowledge looking after mental health wards - Novartis-sponsored courses
c. Specialists - Certificate/Diploma/MSc

Belgium - 2 year course, ten days per year, examination at the end. Tasks included patient information leaflets, pharmacovigilance etc. Open to anyone but most are psychiatric pharmacists.

Spain - we think there were some training courses, but at a low level and not psychiatric.

Possibilities included franchising the Certificate/Diploma/MSc, with annual training courses or running something separate.

4. CINP 2000 (3rd-5th July 2000), Brussels.

(Congress International Neuro-Psychopharmacology?)

A half-day parallel session on psychopharmacy has been offered/suggested and is planned for this meeting. All agreed it would be a marvellous opportunity to showcase pharmacies abilities. Need to agreed Chairmen (suggested Larry Ereshefsky), subjects for oral presentations (20 minutes each in English) and a title. Agreed Psychopharmacy. Need to think of suggestions or work NOW as outline details will be needed in a few months. Send to Johan.

5. Internet

Steve offered to use of his current site and the possible www.ukppg.org site. The use of the internet across Europe appears patchy at best, with e.g. very little French use.

6. Meeting with Patrick Rambourg, Vice President of EAHP.

Patrick noted that;-

  1. EAHP were keen to welcome a SIG
  2. Would have to change their statute to accommodate a SIG
  3. The change could occur at the meeting in March 1998, with a proposal by January 1998.
  4. EAHP would encourage us to run a seminar at EAHP congress in Spain in 1999.

Steve asked if there was any problem with non-hospital pharmacists being involved. There wouldn't be apparently.

7. Copenhagen meeting

After a long debate about convenient dates, Johan to suggest 3-5th June 1998, with sessions on working standards, scientific co-operation (e.g. pan-European audits), policies and procedures (e.g. for TDM etc.), Quality Assurance and Present and future of psychiatric pharmacy in each country.

Agreed an abstract/text to be produced for each talk, in English and another language. Lundbeck may fund the conference and expenses in Copenhagen but we may have to fund/attract funding for travel.