Rational and safe use of medicines — evidence for the benefit of the patients and the society
Short description
Our research group focuses on pharmacotherapy from a medical perspective. We are interested in everything from educational aspects to patient outcomes, and we conduct research that spans from methodological development to meta research. We have a particular focus on measuring pharmacotherapy and quantifying related problems in ways that are meaningful for patients and health care.
About our research
Our research group focuses on pharmacotherapy from a medical perspective – centered on the needs of patients and the health care. With the aim of generating tangible clinical benefit, we combine advanced methodological research with applied, patient-oriented studies. By integrating clinical patient data, registry data, and survey studies, we conduct research that is both broad in scope and relevant. Our projects span the full spectrum from fundamental methodological development to observational and interventional studies, as well as systematic reviews and other forms of meta-research. In this way, we explore pharmacotherapy from multiple perspectives and generate findings that are useful for both patients and health care. We collaborate widely – locally, nationally, and internationally – and have an interest in the entire chain of pharmacotherapy: from education and prescribing in health care, through self-care counselling and medication dispensing at pharmacies, to actual use and clinical effects in patients. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to contribute knowledge that supports safe, effective, and patient‑adapted pharmacotherapy.
We have a particular focus on measuring pharmacotherapy and quantifying related problems in ways that are meaningful for patients and health care. In this area, we explore, among other things, the potentials and limitations of so‑called indicators of prescribing quality in older people, including drug interaction alerts. With regard to quality indicators, our interests encompass both methodological aspects – such as development, reliability, and validation – and medical aspects, including practical application, educational initiatives, and patient benefit.
Pharmacotherapy in older people presents particular challenges, as these patients often have multiple comorbidities and are treated with several medications simultaneously. Older individuals are also more sensitive to medication effects due to age-related physiological changes. These circumstances make it especially important to develop and use medically relevant measures of the quality of drug treatment.
Group members
Research group leader
Susanna Wallerstedt, Professor of Pharmacotherapy, Senior Consultant in Clinical Pharmacology
Postdocs / Doctoral Students / Other Members
Magnus Axelsson, MD, PhD / Senior Consultant in Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Johan Lönnbro, MD, PhD / Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Naldy Parodi López, MD, PhD / Specialist in Family Medicine and Resident in Clinical Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Staffan Svensson, MD, PhD / Specialist in Clinical Pharmacology and Family Medicine, Nötkärnan Bergsjön Health Center
Linda Thorvaldson, MD / Specialist in Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Carina Tukukino, RN, PhD / Midwife, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
