Pharmacists across British Columbia are now authorized to prescribe medications for 21 common illnesses and a variety of birth control methods.
A news release from the provincial government said B.C. clinic and ER wait times are amongst the longest in Canada with visits for minor ailments taking up to 10-20 per cent of a doctor’s time.
By giving pharmacists the ability to assess and prescribe treatments for illnesses such as pink eye, allergies and yeast infections, patient care will be improved while freeing up time at the doctor’s office.
The process is simple. People can determine if seeing a pharmacist or a primary care provider is best for their ailment by using an online self-assessment tool. If the pharmacist appears to be the appropriate choice they can call and make an appointment at their pharmacy or visit in person.
The pharmacist will then make sure the person is eligible, obtain informed consent, perform an assessment and then offer a treatment plan. This may include advice for self-care, over-the-counter product(s), a prescription for medication, or directions to seek help from another healthcare provider. The service is covered for all B.C. residents with a personal health number.
Stephanie Daoust is a pharmacist for the 100 Mile House Pharmasave. She said the change has worked out quite well, adding it is an extension of services they already provide.
“We already recommend medications over the counter. And so, it definitely, for us, it’s worked out really nicely because we are fully staffed and we have the capacity to provide the service to the community because our staffing has allowed us to do that,” she said. “I’m able to sit down and have a full consultation. The pharmacy still can run and sell prescriptions. It actually has made things flow a bit better.”
Save-On-Foods pharmacist Rizza Pimienta agrees the change is “good overall in the sense that we are able to help patients when we can,” she said. “But in my perspective, because I’m the only pharmacist working, it’s going to be really a struggle or a challenge.” It will be hard to manage when pulling prescriptions on the side, or someone needs a consult plus doing assessments for patients, she added.
The big change is pharmacists now have the authority to prescribe medications. If someone were to come in complaining of a urinary tract infection the pharmacist is able to sit down with the patient and have a consultation. If appropriate, and there are no concerns or red flags, they can now give an antibiotic where in the past they would have had to refer to a physician. Daoust said it does not always mean they will prescribe a prescription medication depending on the condition.
Pimienta said there is a process in place to help guide pharmacists. There are modules and courses that pharmacists can do online, and there’s a resource available on the College of Pharmacists website they have to follow when doing an assessment.
“So there’s red flags. You ask the patient if they have the symptoms, and if they do then you refer the patient to a doctor.”
Daoust sees this as being another tool pharmacists can utilize in patient care along with offering immunizations, doing medication reviews, and adapting prescriptions. She also noted that some patients may choose to go without treatment if it is inconvenient or difficult to get to the doctor. “And now, they have an opportunity to have a convenient service that they can come in and maybe have a discussion,” she said.
Starting June 29, pharmacy appointments can be booked online.
fiona.grisswell@100milefreepress.net
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