Change management through quality processes: how to better engage teams?

• The COVID-19 health crisis led to the development, deployment and marketing of new drugs, like vaccines, in a short amount of time. In addition to the adaptations naturally caused by health constraints and remote work, this sector has undergone a real transformation.

Change management: how to get staff on board?

During the crisis, companies had to quickly implement change management, all in the midst of a daily routine mixed with uncertainties regarding a staff that was often remote. This challenge required a lot of effort, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.?These efforts range from the deployment of a robust, consistent, and simplified quality management system, to the continuous improvement of good drug manufacturing practices, to the involvement of all staff in improving quality processes.

Indeed, the respect of good manufacturing practices allows the release of pure, effective, and safe drugs for the patient. There is therefore a decreased risk of having adverse reactions in patients. And, in the midst of a crisis, time is even more limited. Thus, mastering good manufacturing practices is more than ever about saving lives. Medicines are not like other products, and patients must be able to use them with complete confidence (Public Health Code, article L-5111-1).

Simplification of quality processes

Any type of change will generate some resistance. So, how do we get the management committee on board for a sudden change in such a short period of time? The only way to ensure the success of the change is to get their buy-in.

Too often, quality is perceived as a brake on the progress of the process from manufacturing to the release of the finished product.?It is therefore necessary to demonstrate to the personnel the added value of the management system and of quality at the level of the value chain.?Let's not forget that it is the quality that the customer or the patient buys. They pay the employee, but not the management. All the more reason to focus on a project that is intended to serve the well-being of all patients: let's put this at the heart of what we do.

A set of methods must therefore be put in place to prevent the risk of a defect occurring — without forgetting a regular evaluation of the effectiveness and robustness of the systems in place. All this while practicing a quality policy for all the personnel, because it is everyone's business.

The patient at the center

To conclude, the objective of good manufacturing practices is above all the protection of patients. Thus, to properly diagnose, treat, and eradicate a disease involves everyone (not just the doctor).

Mhoma Nadjim