ISIUM is a network, a think tank and a forum for the exploration of ways of knowing about medicines, their best use and their role in society, health and illness.
There are many powerful influences, known and unknown, that drive the use of medicines. Escalating costs, inappropriate use and unwanted side effects are huge burdens to society and to individuals and families. Much remains unknown about medicines in the context of everyday life in widely differing contexts around the world. It is essential to encourage research and dialogue and promote activities to achieve the safe, cost-effective and equitable use of medicines.
Solutions are complex and effective strategies for change require input from people from many different disciplines and backgrounds and with a diverse range of capacities and perspectives, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, policy makers, individual patients and consumers in general.
While many projects to improve the use of medicines have been tested over the years in different parts of the world, there has not ever been a dedicated on-going accessible forum to share experiences, foster coordination and learning across different groups and countries. This gap has been a driving force for the establishment of ISIUM.