Building trust: Engaging communities in the future of digital medicines manufacturing
The Digital Manufacturing Research Centre (DM2) at CMAC has an important role in building trust in the use of data and industrial digital technologies (IDTs) in medicines manufacturing. This led to an action to involve societal groups as potential end-users of medicine developed using DM2-developed technologies to ensure the inclusion of patients and public perspectives. Armed with a plan to create a series of public engagement activities, the team set out to gain feedback and input to inform and develop an understanding of the future impact of digital technologies in the manufacturing of medicines.
Engaging the crowd
We began our engagement efforts through u3a, a UK-wide network of charities with around 400,000 members. U3a consists of individuals who have transitioned out of full-time work and are interested in social, creative, active, or educational activities in an informal and welcoming setting.
Initial engagements took place with two branches of u3a: Newton Mearns in East Renfrewshire in March 2024, and Bearsden in East Dunbartonshire in August 2024. We met with around 30 attendees at each session, which included an informative presentation by our DM2 representatives and a Q&A.
What we learned
The engagements were met with considerable interest, as evidenced by the high number of questions and active involvement during the sessions. The audience held slightly cautious attitudes, were somewhat misinformed, and expressed feelings of uncertainty regarding digital technologies such as AI and robotics. The primary concerns raised were:
Concerns about the safety of medicines developed using these technologies and the measures in place for quality control.
Questions regarding the potential effects of these technologies on the future workforce and employment opportunities.
Some participants’ views were influenced by negative experiences of technology shared through social media, like the Post Office scandal, or personal encounters in medical settings such as the use of robots in surgeries or pharmacies.
Aiming to alleviate these concerns, we highlighted the positive impacts of digital technologies on medicine manufacturing. We emphasised on how advancements in AI and robotics are enhancing the efficiency and precision of manufacturing processes, leading to the development of safer and more personalised medicines for the future.
By talking about real-world examples and providing clear explanations of the rigorous safety and quality control measures in place, we helped to alleviate some of these uncertainties.
From a future workforce perspective, we discussed the potential of these technologies to create new opportunities within the workforce, rather than simply replacing existing jobs, which helped to mitigate concerns about employment.
Ultimately, our presentations aimed to shift the narrative from scepticism to informed optimism, encouraging a more balanced and positive perception of digital technologies in medicines manufacturing.
What’s next?
Our team was encouraged by the interactions and engagement from the sessions and is now reaching out to other locations to widen the reach and share first-hand, what the future has in store for medicines manufacturing and development.
Within the remaining period of the DM2 project, the activities will focus on the following:
1: Organise a visit for the U3A members from the Newton Mearns and Bearsden branches to CMAC, where they can gain insights into the developed technologies through a facilities tour and a networking session.
2: Coordinate an engagement activity with the u3a East Kilbride branch.
3: Start preparing short video(s) to summarise the DM2 and CMAC role in enhancing the implementation of IDTs in medicines manufacturing, with brief description of these IDTs.
Written by Mohammed Al Qaraghuli, Project and Industrial Translation Manager, DM2 at CMAC