Foreword

Abstract It is with great pleasure that we present this collection of abstracts, selected following peer review from submissions to the 2026 Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice (HSRPP) Conference, held at Queen’s University Belfast, on 23rd and 24th April 2026. HSRPP continues its long-standing tradition of providing an important forum for researchers and practitioners to disseminate and discuss novel research related to medicines use and pharmaceutical care that advances pharmacy practice and health services research. The theme of this year’s conference, “Following the science: generating and implementing evidence to improve health”, reflects the increasing importance of not only producing robust, high-quality evidence, but also ensuring that this evidence is effectively implemented in practice and policy. The theme encompasses key contemporary challenges, including the quality and credibility of research evidence, barriers and facilitators to implementation, communication of evidence to the public, maintaining high-quality services during periods of crisis, and the development and planning of resilient health services capable of responding to future global challenges. The abstracts presented in this supplement exemplify the breadth and depth of research being undertaken across pharmacy practice and health services research. Together, they highlight methodologically rigorous work that addresses real-world healthcare challenges and contributes to evidence-informed decision-making. The abstracts showcase a diverse range of study designs and disciplinary perspectives, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field and reinforcing the central role of science in shaping effective, sustainable healthcare systems. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the conference and this abstract supplement. In particular, we thank the authors who submitted scientific abstracts, the HSRPP steering committee for their time and expertise in reviewing abstracts, Pharmacy Research UK, our sponsors, and the staff involved in organising and delivering the conference. We are also grateful to our keynote speakers, workshop facilitators, session chairs and poster session moderators for their invaluable contributions to the scientific programme. We hope that this abstract supplement serves as a lasting record of the research presented at HSRPP 2026 and stimulates further discussion, collaboration and innovation. Above all, we trust that the conference will be a productive, engaging and enjoyable experience, and that it will reinforce the shared commitment of the HSRPP community to following the science in order to improve health now and in the future. Carmel M. Hughes and Heather E. Barry HSRPP Conference 2026 Co-Chairs