ReadLinks

PRP INSIGHTS: Common Non-Compliance for Prescription Adaptation

On August 1st, 2024, Professional Practice Policy -58 (PPP-58) was amended to give pharmacists a broader scope for adapting and renewing prescriptions.

This article explores some common areas of non-compliance noted by Compliance Officers when reviewing prescription adaptation services during pharmacy reviews.

PRP INSIGHTS: Expectations of Care Poster Display Requirements

Effective September 1st, 2024, bylaws are in effect that require pharmacies display the 'What You Can Expect from Your Pharmacy Visit' poster in its original, unmodified form. This poster was designed to enhance transparency and trust by clearly communicating the standards of care that the public can expect from their pharmacy team.

Nov 22, 2024

PRP INSIGHTS: Areas of Non-Compliance for Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor Ailments and Contraception (PPMAC) Part 2

Pharmacists in BC have been providing minor ailment and contraception prescribing services under PPMAC since June 2023. To ensure compliance with the regulatory standards that enable and govern this practice, Compliance Officers have been reviewing PPMAC services while conducting Community Pharmacy Practice Reviews since October 2023.

To improve compliance and awareness of the standards, a previous article was published that highlighted some early observations of non-compliance under the PPMAC framework. This article is a follow-up installment to share additional examples of non-compliance that have been observed by Compliance Officers.

Oct 24, 2024

Guest Post: Cefuroxime is a Safe Alternative for Penicillin Allergic Patients

In light of the increasing concern over antibiotic misuse, particularly the overprescription of clindamycin in dentistry, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the UBC Therapeutics Initiative (TI) have collaborated to provide dentists with prescribing Portraits aimed at improving antibiotic use. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play an important role in determining the safety of alternative antibiotics and communicating with patients. Luckily, safe alternatives to clindamycin exist for patients with true penicillin allergies, including the beta-lactam antibiotic cefuroxime.

Aug 28, 2024

Articles

Providing Care for OAT and iOAT Patients Over the Winter Holidays

With the winter holidays approaching and many pharmacies adopting holiday hours, it is important for pharmacists to ensure that they are able to accommodate the dosing schedules of patients receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT).

PRP Insights: New Community Pharmacy Practice Review Criteria for Prescription Adaptation

As a follow-up to our recent article announcing the addition of new review criteria around Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor ailments and Contraception (PPMAC) and drug administration to the Community Pharmacy Review, PRP is now introducing new review criteria for prescription adaptation.

Guest Post: RN and RPN designation to treat opioid use disorder

Effective November 1, 2023, a new designation of certified practice approved by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) allows registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) to diagnose and treat OUD, including prescribing controlled drugs and substances. The new designation also allows them to issue orders to non-certified practice nurses, to compound, dispense, and administer drugs and Schedule IA medications for the treatment of OUD.

Guest Post: Identifying Interactions to Prevent Life-Threatening Complications

This guest post provided by pharmacists at St. Paul’s Hospital and Burnaby Hospital examines a fatal case whereby an overlooked drug interaction is believed to have contributed to a heart attack in a 65-year-old patient. It highlights the vital role pharmacists in community and hospital settings have in identifying interactions between antiretroviral and cardiac medications to prevent life-threatening complications.

Registrar's Message: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

On September 30, 2023, we observe Orange Shirt Day as well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day where we are asked to reflect on and acknowledge the ongoing legacy of residential schools and reaffirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation and building a better future for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Though many of us have been given the day off and may be taking the opportunity to rest and relax, I’d like to remind you all that reconciliation is not a passive process.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: Begin Your Journey of Self-Education

Cultural Humility is rooted in a lifelong commitment to self-reflection, learning, and listening without judgment. We encourage pharmacy professionals to use these resources as a starting point in our ongoing process of healing and understanding and rebuilding trust Indigenous Communities in BC.

PRP INSIGHTS: Introducing New Practice Review Criteria to the Community Pharmacy Review

Recent changes to pharmacy regulations, bylaws and professional practice policies have given pharmacists an expanded scope of practice. To facilitate the safe delivery of pharmacy services across the expanded scope domains, PRP will be introducing new review criteria to the Community Pharmacy Review this Fall.

Canadian Patient Safety Week is October 23-27, 2023!

Canadian Patient Safety Week runs from October 23-27. This year’s focus is on exploring a new approach to patient safety, grounded in learning and acting to create safer care and reducing unintended physical and psychological harms, including those caused by culturally unsafe care.

Guest Post: Call-out: new members for B.C.’s Emergency Health Provider Registry

As summer continues, our province is experiencing an increased risk of wildfires and heat-related events. The Emergency Health Provider Registry (EHPR) is an online registry of health care professionals and health authority staff who may be able and willing to be deployed on a voluntary basis or hired to respond to emergency events.

Guest Post: New! AFPC Advanced Primary Care Pharmacist Training Program

As scope of practice expands, the more opportunities there are for pharmacists in primary care. The new Advanced Primary Care Pharmacist Training Program from the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) can prepare you with skills and confidence.

Health Quality B.C. launches LOUD in PC to improve access to Opiod Agonist Therapy

Opioid Agonist Therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) available. As the toxic drug supply crisis continues, increasing access to this treatment can help save lives and improve the health of our communities.