empower science for patient care
Project award for the elective subject Clinical Pharmacy
For many years, pharmacists from hospital pharmacies in the Munich area have been offering elective internships in the field of clinical pharmacy for pharmacy students at the LMU Munich. During these electives, students have the chance to carry out scientific work and gaining practical bedside-experiences on the wards. The course deals with innovative research questions within the entire spectrum of clinical pharmacy. The results are presented to a professional audience at a final event. The Foundation Patient & Clinical Pharmacy awards a prize for the best presentation to the student(s) and the supervisor.
Prize winners (1 project per semester) are selected by a jury of experienced hospital pharmacists according to predetermined evaluation criteria. The prize consists of 150 € for the students and 300 € for the supervisors (or pro rata if there are several supervisors).
The decision of the jury is final and legal claims will not be accepted.
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Award winners in the Winter Semester 2024/2025 competition
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Anna Thommes, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Julia Bayreuther, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Dr. Dorothea Strobach, pharmaceutical supervisor, Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital, LMU Munich
Subject of the prize-winning elective project:
Drug therapy safety in cases with impaired liver function
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Award winners in the Summer Semester 2024 competition
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Dorottya Benkö, Pharmacy student, LMU Munich
My Anh Le, Pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Dr. Myga Brakebusch, pharmaceutical supervisor, Pharmacy of the Munich Clinic, Munich
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Medication history in hospital
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An accurate drug history and documentation of medication are important elements of a safe drug therapy. The objective of this project was to identify and find answers to problems in the field of drug therapy recording from admission to discharge. The project also aimed at assessing current practice at the München Klinik and was preliminary to establishing electronic patient records (ePatientenkurve) and eMedication.
With the help of a questionnaire Doctors and nurses from 18 wards were interviewed on their estimation on current practice regarding drug history taking, medication recording, checking for interactions or necessary dose adjustments, and recording of medication at admission, transfer or discharge.
Lack of time for documentation and insufficient review of medication were identified as important risk factors and ideas for their management were developed. Among others the digitalization of the drug chart and involvement of pharmacists for medication reconciliation could significantly support a safe medication process.
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Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
Drug history and recording of medication therapy are processes at risk. Knowing the risk factors is essential to ensure a comprehensive medication history, error-free documentation, pharmaceutical review of medication and by this a safe drug therapy for the patient.
Award winners in the Winter Semester 2023/2024 competition
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This semester, three projects tied for first place:
Agnes Kießling, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Lara-Sophie Zähnke, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Andrea Mehr, pharmaceutical supervisor, Pharmacy of the Munich Clinic, Munich
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Interchangeability of ophthalmic drugs
Pharmaceutical expenditure on ophthalmic drugs has risen steadily in recent years and accounted for around 3% of statutory health insurance expenditure in 2021. Ophthalmic drugs for various indications are also prescribed very frequently in hospitals, mostly by non-specialist disciplines. The aim of this project was, on the one hand, to adapt the clinic's internal therapy standards to current evidence-based therapy recommendations in collaboration with medical colleagues from ophthalmology and, on the other hand, to identify therapeutically comparable substances, taking into account efficacy, dosage, approval and side effects. Substance groups for which an exchange is not reasonable, were excluded. By replacing ophthalmologic home medication with therapeutically comparable hospital standards, continuous supply of medicines to patients during their hospital stay is ensured.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
The development of therapeutic alternatives can ensure the continuous supply of medication to patients, even in times of increased supply shortages.
Milena Wulff, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Melina Bonnard, pharmacy intern, Pharmacy of University Hospital rechts der Isar (TUM)
Hanna Lothmann, pharmacy intern, Pharmacy of University Hospital rechts der Isar (TUM)
Dipl. Pharm. Paola Rosa Maran & Dr Miriam Gyalrong-Steur, pharmaceutical supervisors, Pharmacy of University Hospital rechts der Isar (TUM)
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Environmentally conscious use of inhalers
Different types of inhalers are available for chronic respiratory diseases. Approximately half of the inhalation medications prescribed in Germany are metered dose inhalers. These are damaging to the climate due to the propellants they contain. A table comparing more climate-friendly alternatives for the most commonly used metered dose inhalers of the hospital was developed during the project. The table comprises active substances, dosages, required inhalation strengths and cost. Dry powder inhalers, respimates or nebulizers for inhalation solutions do not contain propellants, thus they have a significantly lower CO2 footprint than metered dose inhalers. It is essential that the choice of an inhaler is always made individually and in consent with the patient. Metered dose inhalers are often indispensable in acute conditions. For long-term therapy dry powder inhalers are a very good alternative in many cases or - especially in a hospital setting - nebulizers for inhalation solutions. In addition to the comparison table, an article on the environmentally conscious use of inhalers was written for the hospital's internal magazine, Apostille, in order to sensitize the staff to the topic.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
The use of climate-friendly medication is particularly relevant for patients with respiratory diseases, as heatwaves e.g., which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, can have a negative impact on their condition and worsen symptoms.
Sofie Baierl, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Maria Gschwendtner, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Nelly Möhler, pharmaceutical supervisor, Pharmacy of the University Hospital of Munich (LMU)
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Review of infusion standards in intensive care units
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Compared to oral administration, intravenous drug therapy entails an increased risk of error rates, complexity and difficulties. The introduction of standards can increase drug safety. In autumn 2023, the Federal Association of German Hospital Pharmacists (ADKA) and the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) published recommendations on standard concentrations (41 active ingredients, 49 concentrations) for continuous infusion in intensive care units with the aim of establishing national standard concentrations. As part of the project, these recommendations were compared with the internal standard concentrations and volumes for continuous infusion at the LMU Hospital. Missing or deviating information (15 in each case) regarding the recommendations was identified and can therefore be revised by the hospital pharmacy in cooperation with the intensive care units. In addition, seven intensive care unit managers at the hospital were asked about problems and the use of the standards. During the interviews, questions about incompatibilities in intravenous therapy emerged as the main problem.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
As intravenous drug therapy carries a higher risk of error than oral drug therapy, it is even more important to ensure drug therapy safety by introducing standardized concentrations throughout Germany.
Award winners in the Summer Semester 2023 competition
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Amelie Göpfrich, Pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Selina Seefried, Pharmacy students, LMU Munich
Dr. Miriam Gyalrong-Steur & Dipl.-Pharm. Paola Rosa Maran, pharmaceutical supervisors,
Pharmacy of University Hospital rechts der Isar (TUM)
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
One Minute Wonder - Knowledge in One Minute
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A new format of short training courses, originally from the UK, is able to impart specialist knowledge to nursing staff during regular working hours. The so-called One Minute Wonders (OMW) summarize information on specialist topics on one page, which is intended to be read within one minute. Hung up as posters in places where waiting times occur, e.g. at the photocopier, the OMW can convey relevant specialist knowledge in a compact and easily accessible manner.
In the hospital pharmacy, relevant topics were identified based on questions frequently asked by nursing staff. OMW were developed for five of these topics as part of an internship: tablets and capsules, drug administration via feeding tubes, medication history, therapeutic drug monitoring and drug disposal.
The OMW were created using evidence-based literature. Feedback from nursing staff was obtained and directly considered in the process. A particular challenge in developing the posters was to condense the topics so that the content could be presented on one page. Additionally, a language appropriate for the addressees had to be found.
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Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
With the help of the compact and low-threshold training format One Minute Wonder, nurses are provided with specialist knowledge, e.g. on correct drug application. This contributes to increased safety during drug therapy through improved knowledge.
Award winners in the Winter Semester 2022/2023 competition
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Lea Molitor, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Michelle Kannenberg, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Jennifer Berner, ​ pharmaceutical supervisor, Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Development of a therapy standard for the treatment of oral mucositis
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Oral mucositis describes injuries of the oral mucosa with inflammation and lesions which are often very painful. It leads to a significant impairment of the patients‘ quality of life. To date, there is little evidence on the treatment of oral mucositis in palliative care patients and no established standards. As part of the project, a standard for the palliative care ward of the LMU Klinikum was developed for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis. Current guidelines from German and English-speaking countries, oncological and palliative medicine standard literature and other primary literature were used as a basis to develop this standard of care. The results were discussed in a multi-professional treatment team and combined into a ward standard, taking into account the aspects developed. In addition to the recommended therapy options, there are also treatment options mentioned without sufficient evidence or recommendations. The project aims to ensure a uniform, effective and safe treatment of painful oral mucositis according to the current state of clinical evidence. It is intended to alleviate symptoms quickly and effectively and give patients a better quality of life, especially near end of their lives.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
The aim of the project is to achieve a uniform, safe and effective relief of the very painful inflammation in the mouth according to the current state of clinical knowledge.
Award winners in the Summer Semester 2022 competition
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Alba Knauer, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Margareta Laudenbacher, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Dr. Aleksandra Dukic-Ott , pharmaceutical supervisor, Hospital Pharmacy /Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich
Stefanie Pügge, pharmaceutical supervisor, Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Review of monitoring parameters for off-label-use of medicines relevant in palliative care
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In palliative care medicines are frequently used outside their marketing authorization (Off-Label-Use) to control distressing symptoms in patients, e.g. in a different indication, dosage, route of administration, application interval or application time. Therefore, drug therapy monitoring is of particular importance for both effectiveness and patient safety.
The aim of this project was to compile drug monitoring parameters for 30 common drugs and their off-label-uses in palliative care. Information was obtained from clinical practice guidelines and the german summary of product characteristics for drug effects, side effects and pharmacokinetic properties of the respective drugs and their dosage forms. Important factors were practicability and low patient discomfort, especially in the palliative context. The gathered monitoring parameters for palliative patients will be made available free of charge as part of a database to assist professionals with off-label use of medicines in terms of drug safety.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
Since in palliative care medicines are often used outside their approval, drug therapy monitoring plays an important role, both in terms of effectiveness and drug therapy safety.
Award winners in the Winter Semester 2021/22 competition
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Cam Van Vu, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Julia Krönauer, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Kathrin Golla, pharmaceutical supervisor,
Pharmacy of the University Hospital of Munich (LMU)
Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Drug dosing in patients with impaired liver function - comparison of recommendations of the electronic patient record Meona® with the German Fachinformation and the Dutch database geneesmiddelen bijlevercirrose
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In patients with impaired liver function, drug safety may be reduced due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Aim of this project was to compare the drug warnings (DW) automatically generated by the electronic patient chart Meona® for hospitalized patients with impaired liver function, with the recommendations from the German Fachinformation (FI) and a Dutch database (DD) for patients with liver cirrhosis.
To assess liver function, patients were classified into different severity levels using the MELD-score, which correlates to the Child-Pugh-score. The DW were grouped into six categories. For patients with a MELD > 6,4, the DW of Meona®, FI, and ND were recorded and numerically evaluated. In addition, the DW of the 10 most frequently prescribed drugs were compared.
In most cases, the DW generated by Meona® show strong similarity to the recommendations of the FI, whereas the DD is only comparable to a limited extent. Therefore, to optimize drug therapy, a comparison of recommendations for drugs in hepatic impaired patients is useful.
Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
A comparison of different databases on the use of drugs in patients with impaired liver function can significantly help to optimise drug therapy and increase drug therapy safety.
Award winners in the Summer Semester 2021 competition
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Kilian Stuhler, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Anna Fischer, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Anita Kellermann & Esther Kiesel, pharmaceutical supervisors,
Pharmacy of University Hospital rechts der Isar (TUM)
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Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Administration of drugs via enteral feeding tube
For unconscious patients or patients with problems swallowing, drugs often have to be administered via an enteral feeding tube. Drug solubility and suspendability (SaS) are therefore critical to reduce medication errors, tube clogging, ensure effectiveness or avoid increased risk of toxicity. However, data regarding the specific physical and chemical drug stability as well as if drugs can be crushed or dissolved while their effectiveness is ensured are often lacking. In this project at first a literature search was performed for 44 drug formulations. Second, in a practice test the SaS of these drugs was tested with 2 differently sized enteral feeding tubes. 34 drugs, all (coated) tablets, could be suspended and successfully administered via both tube sizes. In 5 cases, the data found in the literature could not be confirmed by us, as the administration led to, for instance, tube clogging. Additionally, for 2 drugs with lacking data on SaS, administration via enteral feeding tubes was possible by using warmed or alkaline solvent. However, lozenges, enteric coated tablets and tablets with sustained release could not be suspended and administered via enteral feeding tubes. The results of this project will be integrated in the pharmacy recommendations for drug administration via enteral feeding tubes.
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​Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
Data on solubility and suspendability of drugs administered via an enteral feeding tube will improve the efficacy and safety of oral drug administration for unconscious patients or patients with difficulties swallowing.
Award winners in the Winter Semester 2020/21 competition
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Rabia Korkmaz, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Anna Waizenegger, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Ann-Kristin Gerke & Katrin Bayerlein, pharmaceutical supervisors,
Pharmacy of the Starnberg Hospital, Starnberg
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Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Drug-related problems in patients with renal impairment
An impaired renal function can influence the effectiveness and toxicity of drugs, which often makes dosage adaptions or drug changes necessary. Since January 2020 renal pharmacists identify drug-related problems (DRP) in patients with mildly to severely decreased renal function two times a week at the Klinikum Starnberg. The renal pharmacists work closely together with a nephrologist to approach DRP. This project (Wahlpflichtpraktikum) analyses the data until the end of September 2020.
During the study time the renal pharmacists conducted 520 medication analysis and detected in 52% at least one or more DRP. The mean age of the patients was 83 years and the mean drug intake was 10.3 drugs. The most frequent DRP was ‘Interaction’ (43%), followed by ‘Dosing’ (28%), ‘Indication’ (8%), and ‘Contraindication’ (6%). The most frequent interventions were made for antibiotics and psychotropic drugs. The dosages of apixaban and sitagliptine were most often inappropriate for patient’s renal function. Additionally, the renal pharmacists developed an information sheet with the TOP 10 drugs that showed inappropriate dosages in patients with renal impairment to use for future drug safety trainings.
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Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
A proactive pharmaceutical service makes it possible to identify the needs for consultation in patients with renal impairment and consequently helps to improve medication safety.
Award winners in the Summer Semester 2020 competition
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Kristina Karg, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Janina Mudersbach, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Dr. Dorothea Strobach, pharmaceutical supervisor,
Pharmacy of the University Hospital of Munich (LMU)
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Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Medication and dose adjustment in case of impaired liver function
Restricted liver function has a significant influence on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and thus also on the efficacy and toxicity of many drugs. For this reason, dosage adjustments are often necessary in patients with impaired liver function. In the study, the correct dosage and drug selection was checked on two wards within the framework of two cut-off dates.
Different liver function scores (Child Pugh Score, MELD, MELD-Na) were calculated for 22 patients with an average of 11 drugs. For recommendations on dosage and the selection of the 89 different drugs, data were collected from the current specialist information and a Dutch database.
Of 236 drugs applied, 66 % were dosed correctly, 8 % were not dose-adjusted, 5 % were contraindicated and 21 % were not assessable. As a result, a pharmaceutical consultation is useful for the stationary prescription in patients with impaired liver function.
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Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
Through personalised pharmaceutical care, the available information on drug therapy for patients with impaired liver function can be integrated into inpatient care practice.
Award winners in the Winter Semester 2019/20 competition
Halime Sahin, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Sevcan Yilmaz, pharmacy student, LMU Munich
Dr. Myga Brakebusch, pharmaceutical supervisor,
Pharmacy of University Hospital of Munich (LMU)
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Subject and Abstract of the prize-winning elective project:
Point prevalence analysis for anti-infective therapy of respiratory infections
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One of the strategies of the S3 guideline to ensure rational antibiotic use in hospitals is the development of in-house guidelines for anti-infective therapy. In these, the national guidelines can be translated into a recommendation of a few substances with defined therapy duration, taking into account local resistance data. By selecting the recommended anti-infectives, objectives such as the avoidance of resistance formation through the restrictive use of carbapenems or the avoidance of C. difficile-associated diarrhoea through the restrictive use of cephalosporins III generation can be achieved. Point prevalence analysis (PPA) is one way of checking adherence to the current guidelines. There were no current in-house therapeutic guidelines available in the project described. It was therefore examined to what extent the current anti-infective therapy of respiratory infections complies with the valid national guidelines. The result of the PPA should also serve as a comparative value to a second PPA in 6 months, which should show the penetration rate of the newly developed in-house therapy guideline after publication and the effectiveness of training.
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Why is this project of importance for safety in drug therapy?
In order to ensure the long-term effectiveness of essential antibiotics for critically ill patients in hospitals, the duration of antibiotic therapy and the development and implementation of local guidelines are of great essence.