Safeguarding Sweden from Falsified Medicines: My Reflections from our Stockholm Field Visit

As the NMVS Development Lead at Solidsoft Reply, I feel immensely proud of our role in helping many European markets implement the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). On the 16th of February, we were thrilled to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS) safeguarding the supply chain against falsified medicine.

Dedication to our customers is paramount. We place our customers at the heart of everything we do. Through Solidsoft Reply’s dynamic customer group, we foster on-going conversations with National Medicines Verification Organisations (NMVOs), delving deep into the requirements of their markets. This collaborative effort propels us to continuously enhance the National Medicines Verification System (NMVS), ensuring it evolves to meet the ever-changing landscape of medicine verification.

We are keen for further opportunities to innovate and learn, and were delighted to be invited to join e-VIS, the National Medicines Verification Organisation (NMVO) in Sweden.

I had the opportunity to join representatives from various Solidsoft Reply teams, including Software Engineering, Operations and Quality, on a 2-day field visit to Stockholm hosted by e-VIS. The enriching agenda included a deeper understanding of the Swedish market, discussion of the NMVS roadmap, and the chance see FMD in action in several of Sweden’s largest pharmacies.

Day one - 5th March 2024

Overview of the Supply Chain and FMD Implementation in Sweden

We began the field visit at the e-VIS office, enjoying an informative overview of the Swedish medicine supply chain. The integration of FMD at key touch points was fascinating, providing me with valuable insight into the real-world implementation of the NMVS.

We had thought-provoking discussions on the NMVS roadmap and its future direction, capturing many interesting and positive ideas for its future. I was extremely excited then, and still thrilled now to be part of the NMVS journey: moving from implementation and stabilisation, to operational excellence and strategic innovation.

Field visit to DOZ Apotek

I had the unique opportunity to glimpse behind-the-scenes at DOZ Apotek, witnessing first-hand their dispensing process and deep integration of FMD into the pharmacy system. The demonstration began with the standard dispense of a pack with pick controls, followed by FMD alerts shown to the pharmacist during dispense. I was pleased to see the pharmacy system and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) working closely together to ensure that the pharmacist responds to the alert appropriately, supported by e-VIS guidance.

Seeing the solution we’ve built in use at the pharmacy was energising, and it brought to life our daily contribution to improving patient safety. I couldn’t wait to learn more at the next pharmacy visit.

Field visit to Apotek Hjärtat

We were treated to a further demonstration at Apotek Hjärtat, enabling us to compare the dispensing processes. I observed that despite the pharmacy systems being different, the processes themselves were consistent across the pharmacies.

I was fascinated to see the NMVS unobtrusively integrated into the pharmacy system, ensuring patients are safely dispensed authentic medicine and only interrupting dispensing when an alert is raised.

We wrapped up a fantastic first day with a delicious meal and great conversations with our e-VIS friends. I enjoyed reflecting on what we had seen and learnt alongside the e-VIS and Solidsoft Reply teams.

Day two - 6th March 2024

Field visit to Kronans Apotek

We headed to the head office of Kronans Apotek, and met the system test team. After an interesting presentation on the evolution of their platform, we visited their test lab where we saw their system in action, complete with data matrix scanners, label printers and POS devices to test scenarios from end-to-end.

I was excited to see the Solidsoft Reply NMVS Qualification Test Book being used in the lab to verify different system scenarios. It highlighted the versatility of our solution for acceptance testing, complementing the Test Book’s primary focus on IT Supplier qualification testing.

During an enjoyable lunch, I had a lively discussion with the Kronans Apotek team, comparing our respective approaches and strategies in test automation. It was energising to exchange insights and propose potential improvements to optimise their processes.

Visiting Stockholm

At the end of our busy schedule, we explored Stockholm before our departure. We took a walk through the beautiful city, soaking in the sights of both the modern centre and the stunning architecture of Gamla Stan (old town). Along the way, we went souvenir shopping and admired the scenic riverside views.

Finally, we visited the Vasa Museum. After sinking on its maiden voyage in 1628, I was amazed how well preserved the ship was after laying on the sea bed for over 300 years. The size and scale of the ship has to be seen to be truly appreciated. An impressive end to our Swedish experience!

My Key Takeaways

• FMD is working well in Sweden. The alert rate is low, and alerts are managed efficiently and effectively.
• The NMVS is tightly integrated with the pharmacy systems to provide assurance throughout the dispensing process.
• The NMVS is performing effectively and has been positively received by pharmacies.
• Whilst the information from the NMVS is shown in pharmacy systems, it is unobtrusive and only interrupts dispensing in the rare occurrence of an alert. Most of the time, the pharmacist does not have to think about FMD, but knows that they will be alerted in exceptional circumstances.
• The e-VIS team are knowledgeable and committed to the effective implementation of FMD. They have clearly worked hard to ensure that FMD is implemented consistently, and effectively across Sweden, with clear guidance and operating procedures to be followed. This has been achieved through close collaboration with the pharmacies and other stakeholders in medicine supply.
• We received valuable feedback on the NMVS, providing a richer insight and understanding into how the NMVS can support Swedish medicine supply in the future.
• The NMVS is demonstrating its value and the future of NMVS is positive! We are excited to continue to innovate with the NMVOs.

We are thrilled to share the insights gathered within Solidsoft Reply, deepening the team's understanding of the Swedish market. These valuable learnings will drive innovation in the NMVS strategy and roadmap, in close collaboration with our customer group. Moreover, they will play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing our services and solutions across the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Exciting times lie ahead as we leverage these insights to better serve our clients.

Thanks to the e-VIS team: Kristina von Sydow, Jones Kreku and Ludvig Möller for organising an informative and instructive visit, and for being such great hosts.

Thank you also to DOZ Apotek, Apotek Hjärtat and Kronans Apotek who kindly shared their valuable time to demonstrate FMD in action, and vividly brought it to life for us.

We look forward to further field visits with other NMVO colleagues in the future!

Solidsoft Reply is a leading technology company creating award-winning solutions utilising the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. As a globally acclaimed Microsoft AI Cloud Solutions Partner, we specialise in GS1 traceability systems worldwide, crucially ensuring the authenticity, legality, and safety of our customers’ products and services. Serving non-profits, NGOs, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industries, we deliver technology for positive social impact. Your products, safe in our hands.