VANCOUVER – Enhancing the quality of pharmacy care in BC is a priority for the College of Pharmacists of BC as it begins to roll out initiatives that will ultimately lead to better health outcomes for patients. These initiatives are part of the regulatory authority for pharmacy’s new strategic plan, being released to the public for the first time today.
This plan outlines five major goals with associated objectives that focus on a broad range of activities covered under the College’s mandate. While many of these objectives are internally-focused and may not be noticed by patients, they are all designed to help ensure that by 2017 the quality of pharmacy care in BC will be elevated and patients enjoy better health outcomes as a result.
“This plan focuses on where we can make a difference for patients,” said Doug Kipp, Chair of the College’s Board. “For example, enhancing pharmacists’ patient care skills will ultimately lead to better patient care. So we supported 137 pharmacists across the province to take the Canadian Pharmacists Association ADAPT program for medication management and patient care skills development. This is a great initiative that will lead to better health outcomes for patients and it’s only just one initiative of many designed to enhance quality.”
The College is also pleased to announce that the following pharmacists, supported by the College, have received an ADAPT certificate in advanced patient skills and medication management:
- Bil Ahira, Burnaby
- Bojana Dzombeta, Burnaby
- Cindy Larsen, Gibsons
- Danielle Dzikowski, Abbotsford
- Christine Harding, Gibsons
- Jacqueline Buston, Victoria
- Janice Yim, Surrey
- Jeonghee Han, Pitt Meadows
- John Schulmeister, Prince Rupert
- Leah Smith, Smithers
- Mashid Poursartip, Vancouver
- Lutf-Ul-Mannan Bajwa, Surrey
- Maila Cecilia San Jose, Surrey
- Navid Bayat, Kelowna
- Nimisha Virani, Vancouver
- Oswald Chu, Courtenay
- Patricia Scott, Madeira Park
- Sharon Liu, Vancouver
- Susan Wallis, New Westminster
- Werner Umali, Langley
Over the next three years, the College will launch initiatives that are centered around using technology to provide better information to patients and practitioners, optimizing the scope of practice and reforming standards so that they meet the needs of a 21st century BC, building and deepening relationships with all health professionals, and increasing public awareness and accountability. More information is available on the Plan’s website at www.qualitypharmacy.ca.