Research in Social Pharmacy

The increasing expenses for drugs and limited healthcare resources have put focus on the use of drugs. Modern drugs are well documented and sophisticated tools, but the final outcomes of treatment depend on how they are managed in society, for example by politicians, prescribers, pharmacists and patients. The overall goal of our research is to contribute to a better understanding of the role of drugs for individuals and the society. This research is intended to lead to increased use of drugs, for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

We use theories and methods of social science and apply them to the field of pharmacy. The research questions are related to drugs and / or professions and organizations associated with drug use. Almost all projects are run by multidisciplinary research groups (pharmacists, doctors, nurses, behavioral and pedagogical researchers) and  involves both internal and external researchers.

Our research is about pharmacy politics, not least the latest liberalization of the pharmacy market, including the sale of prescription drugs outside pharmacies. We also study health care services, primarily pharmacies. How do the pharmacies develop and how are they perceived by society at large? The pharmacies and their services are another area for our research, for example, we investigate the safety and safety culture within the pharmacies.