Embracing the Digital Era: The Evolution of our Journal
Lam May
Editorial
HKPharm J Volume 31 (1), Jan-Apr-2024 (2024-05-02): P.3
Embracing the Digital Era: The Evolution of our Journal
As announced in the previous issue (Volume 30, Issue 3), we are thrilled to introduce the launching of the website of Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Journal (www.hkpj.org), a significant milestone in the history of our journal. With this issue, we are bidding farewell to the traditional hard copy format and embracing the boundless potential of our newly launched website. This transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey, opening doors to a plethora of exciting possibilities and revolutionizing the way we disseminate knowledge.
As the world rapidly embraces the digital age, Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Journal must adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs and expectations of our readership. By shifting our focus to an online platform, our website provides an unparalleled level of accessibility for readers across the globe and fosters a more inclusive and global readership. In addition, the digital platform enables us to enrich articles with multimedia elements such as images, videos and interactive graphics. This dynamic approach can facilitate readers’ comprehension and provide intricate concepts with greater clarity. Last but not the least, our website offers search functionalities, enabling readers to explore our vast archives effortlessly. With the integration of our online platform, articles published in the journal can now be seamlessly shared on social media, allowing them to reach a larger and more diverse audience.
In this issue, we continue our journey on “Conversations with pharmacy leaders in Hong Kong”. We have Mr. William Chui as our guest. With more than three decades of experience in hospital pharmacy, William has been a driving force in promoting the role of pharmacists and advocating public education. During his tenure as the Pharmacy Department Manager of Queen Mary Hospital, he spearheaded significant reforms and introduced new clinical services, positioning the profession at the forefront of healthcare. In his interview, William shares his vision for the future of pharmacy, focusing on primary healthcare and hospital pharmacy. His insights and expertise are invaluable in shaping the future of pharmacy and healthcare in general. We are fortunate to have leaders like William who continue to make a positive impact on the profession and society.
Shirley Mok's article titled "Overview of the drug therapy of psoriatic arthritis" presents a comprehensive review of psoriatic arthritis. The article covers various aspects of the disease, including pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment goals and management. The emergence of new pharmacological options targeting various mechanisms of action has expanded the range of treatment options available. By gaining a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and being able to select and monitor medications specific to each patient, pharmacists can significantly improve patients' health outcomes and overall quality of life.
With the introduction of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint by the Hong Kong Government, there is a significant shift taking place in the healthcare system. The traditional hospital-centric model is being transformed into a more balanced system that emphasizes the importance of primary care. This transformation has created a wealth of opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to the healthcare landscape. In the article "Primary care pharmacy - a review of current situation and future in Hong Kong," authored by Stephen So et al., the current state of primary care pharmacy in Hong Kong is examined and the potential avenues for future development are outlined. The article also addresses the potential challenges and barriers that may arise in this evolving field. By exploring these aspects, the article provides valuable insights for pharmacists and healthcare professionals involved in primary care, highlighting the importance of their role in advancing healthcare services in Hong Kong.
As we embark on this new chapter, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. While we bid farewell to the tangible pages of our journal, we embrace a future filled with boundless opportunities for collaboration, innovation and knowledge dissemination. We are committed to ensuring that this transition is seamless and that our website becomes a vibrant hub for the exchange of ideas and intellectual growth.
We welcome your suggestions and feedback on any aspect of the Journal. You can contact me or other members of the Editorial Committee to share your thoughts on how we can enhance the Journal and make it more appealing to you, our valued readers. Your input is important to us, and we appreciate your continued support in helping us improve the Journal.
May PS Lam
Editor-in-Chief
28 April 2024
