Health Care in Canada: Pharmacists' are Changing Gears - Here's What you can Expect

Canadian pharmacists are ready to roll up their sleeves and play an expanded role in Canadian primary health care.

We all know that Pharmacists are the drug information experts of the health care team. Given the increasing numbers of medications, our aging population and the growing cost of pharmaceuticals, pharmacists are key to ensuring safe, cost-effective drug therapy for Canadians.

Pharmacists play an increasingly important role as part of the primary health care team, working with patients to ensure they are using medications appropriately and providing information to both physicians and patients about the effectiveness and appropriateness of certain drugs for certain conditions. This expanded role allows pharmacists to consult with physicians and patients, monitor patients' use of drugs and provide better information and communication on prescription drugs.

The largest hurdle pharmacists have in providing care is the patients themselves. In this world of convenience we can have a prescription filled where we buy our clothes or our dinner or even over the phone and pick them up at a drive thru.

Build a rapport with your pharmacist and pharmaceutical team. Have all your prescriptions filled at one place. Most pharmacies offer several services including medication tracking which will ensure you do not have adverse side effects. Don’t be surprised the next time you ask for advice or information, the pharmacist wants to exceed your expectations.

printer friendly

Email this to a friend

	All Resources Articles