The preparation of the National High-risk Medicine Classification was guided by a project group of 14 members* in 2022–2023. The project group* consisted of medical, nursing and pharmacy experts:
- Ari Ahola-Olli, Medical Adviser, Abomics Oy
- Maarit Bärlund, Head Physician, Cancer outpatient clinic, The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa
- Anne Halmetoja, Clinic Senior Pharmacist, HUS Helsinki University Hospital
- Risto Huupponen, clinical pharmacologist, emerita professor, University of Turku
- Marja Härkänen, Associate professor (Medication safety and Nursing Science), University of Eastern Finland
- Johanna Jyrkkä, Research and Development Specialist, Fimea
- Esa Jämsen, Professor of Geriatrics, University of Helsinki
- Marianne Kuusisto, Medication Safety Officer, Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety
- Outi Laatikainen, postdoctoral researcher, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital
- Carita Linden-Lahti, Senior Pharmacist-in-Charge (medication safety), HUS Helsinki University Hospital
- Lotta Schepel, Chief of Pharmaceutical Safety, HUS Helsinki University Hospital
- Elsi Similä, Project Manager, Fimea
- Terhi Toivo, Medication Safety Officer, The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa
- Juho Wedenoja, Senior Medical Officer for Development, Fimea
The project group created a proposal for medicines to be included in the classification, using international lists of high-risk medicines (ISMP 2018, NPSA 2011, CEC 2015, DMA 2011) as well as HUS's list of high-risk medicines and other literature (Saedder et al. 2014).
In addition to the expertise of the project group, the Delphi method (consensus method) was used. During the project, three Delphi survey rounds were carried out during the fall of 2022, and nearly 60 experts from the fields of medicine, pharmacy and nursing/nursing science participated. The study formed consensus on medicines to be included to the classification and their key risks.