The InterAction database: Synergy of science and practice in pharmacy

In social pharmacy and pharmacoepidemiology the distribution, use and performance of medication after registration is studied. In both fields, the pharmacists are the main source of data on drug use. To increase the value of research, we think it important to exchange ideas and suggestions between scientific researchers and pharmacists who work in community pharmacies. Hence, the department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology of the University of Groningen sought close collaboration with some community pharmacies in the region, resulting in the InterAction project. The pharmacists deliver data to the InterAction database and are explicitly invited to raise questions and issues from their practice, and to participate in research. Consequently, science and practice benefit from each other's input and expertise. This paper describes the architecture and contents of the InterAction project. Additionally, the first experiences with the database as a laboratory for social pharmacy and pharmacoepidemiology are discussed.