Pharmacy Practice: Types, Staff Roles, and Dispensing Procedures

Pharmacy

Branch of the health sciences dealing with the preparation, dispensing and proper utilization of drugs.

Drugs and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA)

Defines a pharmacy as a premises where prescriptions are compounded or dispensed for the public or drugs are sold by retail.

Independent Pharmacy

Individually owned, usually up to six stores.

Chain Pharmacy

One owner, more than six stores.

Banner Pharmacy

Independently owned but operates under a brand name (e.g., IDA, Guardian, Pharmasave).

Franchise Pharmacy

Individually owned but follows corporate head office policies (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart).

Mass Merchandiser Pharmacy

Pharmacy within a large retail store primarily selling food/general merchandise (e.g., Walmart, Costco).

Specialty Pharmacies

Focus on a niche market or specialized service.

Advantages of Specialty Pharmacies

Increased competitive edge, expertise, referrals, clientele, recognition, and sales.

Pharmaceutical Care

A patient-centered philosophy of practice focusing on identifying, resolving, and preventing drug therapy problems.

Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

Regulatory body in Ontario that protects the public and licenses pharmacists and technicians.

Wholesalers

Supply medications to pharmacies and handle returns and backorders.

Front Shop

Area of the pharmacy excluding the dispensary, includes retail merchandise and OTC products.

OTC Schedules

Schedule I - Prescription required; Schedule II - Behind the counter, pharmacist involvement; Schedule III - On shelf, near pharmacy; Unscheduled - May be sold anywhere.

FIFO

First In, First Out; closest expiry placed at front to reduce waste and liability.

HST (Ontario)

HST = 13%; most OTCs are taxable; prescription drugs = no tax.

Dispensary Requirements

Includes sink with hot/cold water, separate handwashing sink, drug-only refrigerator, and compounding equipment.

Narcotic Safe

Time-delay safe required due to opioid crisis; signage must indicate presence.

Expiry Dates

Must be routinely checked; expired medications returned or destroyed and documented.

Communication Among Staff

Prevents errors and improves workflow; may be verbal, written, or non-verbal.

Active Listening

Maintain eye contact, do not interrupt, paraphrase to confirm understanding.

New Prescription Counseling

Pharmacist must discuss drug name, purpose, dose, duration, side effects, storage, and missed dose.

Confidentiality

Patient information must be protected; may be shared within circle of care.

Technician Role with OTCs

Help locate products, reiterate label information, and refer red flags to pharmacist.

Red Flags for OTCs

Possible interaction, high quantities, misuse or abuse, inappropriate patient selection.

Opening Procedures

Unlock doors, turn off alarm, log fridge temperature, turn on systems, check messages.

Closing Procedures

Lock doors, turn on alarm, log fridge temperature, reconcile cash, restock medications.