The Knowledge Capacity and Epistemic Contribution of Social Pharmaceutical Innovation Actors

Abstract

Introduction | Unmet medical needs are still a problem for patients that suffer from severe diseases. Social Pharmaceutical Innovations are multi-actor collaborations that attempt to address these unmet medical needs. However, it is unknown how Social Pharmaceutical Innovation actors achieve this and what their individual contribution is to the knowledge of finding alternative medical approaches. Therefore, this thesis examines the process of knowledge creation, exchange, and application, or knowledge capacity, of Social Pharmaceutical Innovation actors and their epistemic contribution to this process. The aim of this thesis is to gain more insight into the management and execution of knowledge processes in Social Pharmaceutical Innovations. The case study of the off-label use of lidocaine on pain management for pancreatic cancer patients was used to represent this research.

Methods | Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors of Social Pharmaceutical Innovations and hospitals. In addition, document analysis was performed on the case study of off-label use of medication and lidocaine.

Results | The findings showed that knowledge is created through the sharing and assessment of knowledge. Knowledge is shared internally through meetings, discussion, and dialogue, and externally through written publications and congresses. Newly created knowledge is applied in new or changed projects, protocols, or techniques. Furthermore, Social Pharmaceutical Innovations involve and include various actors with different perspectives, expertise, and experiences. They collaborate toward a shared goal of identifying and addressing unmet medical needs.

Discussion/Conclusion | The analysis of the results showed that the exchange of knowledge is a continuous process that goes back and forth and is interconnected with the creation of knowledge. This knowledge is eventually applied to new projects or techniques. This process is performed by multiple actors that work toward a shared goal and plan to identify and address unmet medical needs. Further research is necessary for an in-depth examination of this process in Social Pharmaceutical Innovations.