Week 3

Week 03 Pharmacy Issues

Pharmacy Technician Competencies

  • Overview of essential skills and knowledge required for pharmacy technicians.

Scope of Practice

  • Definition: Describes the activities and responsibilities that pharmacy technicians are allowed to perform in their role within the healthcare system.

Legal Authority for Pharmacy Technicians

  • The legal framework that governs the practice of pharmacy technicians and outlines their responsibilities and limitations.

Pharmacy Organizations

Key Organizations:

  • PEBC: Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

  • NAPRA: National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities.

  • CPhA: Canadian Pharmacists Association.

  • OPA: Ontario Pharmacists Association.

  • OCP: Ontario College of Pharmacists.

  • CAPT: Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians.

Types of Community Pharmacies

Community Pharmacy Formats:

  • Independent: Pharmacies owned and operated by a single pharmacist or partnership.

  • Banner or Cooperative: Pharmacies like Pharmasave, IDA, and Guardian that operate under a shared name and support structure.

  • Franchise: Pharmacies that are part of a larger corporation, e.g. Shopper's Drug Mart, Jean Coutu.

  • Chain: Enterprises such as Rexall or Lawtons that have multiple locations under one corporation.

  • Foodstores/Mass Merchandisers: Pharmacies located in grocery stores or mass merchandisers, e.g. Sobeys, Costco, Walmart.

  • Remote/Telepharmacy: Includes internet and mail-order pharmacies, kiosk, and central fill services.

Week 3 Agenda

Pharmacy Issues in Healthcare

  • Introduction to the role and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians.

Patient Care in the Pharmacy

  • The developing role of pharmacy technicians in patient care processes, including medication management and patient education.

MedsCheck Program

  • A funded initiative in Ontario aimed at optimizing patient medication use through discussions with pharmacists.

NAPRA Entry to Practice Competencies

  • An outline of competencies that pharmacy technicians must demonstrate to practice safely and effectively.

Licensing Requirements

  • Review of the requirements necessary to obtain a pharmacy technician license in Canada, including educational background and examinations.

Scope of Practice (detailed)

  • Practice Activities:

    • Custody, compounding, dispensing, and prescribing drugs.

    • Provision of health care aids and information.

    • Promotion of health through management of medication therapy.

Pharmacy Issues in the Canadian Healthcare System

Canada Health Act (1984)

  • Establishes conditions for healthcare delivery in Canada.

  • Key provisions for funding healthcare services to provinces.

Criteria of the Canada Health Act:

  1. Public Administration: Insurance plans must be publicly funded and non-profit.

  2. Comprehensiveness: All medically necessary services must be insured.

  3. Universality: All residents entitled to health coverage.

  4. Portability: Coverage maintained across province and during travel.

  5. Accessibility: Access should not be hindered by financial or other barriers.

Healthcare Spending in Canada (2024 Forecast)

  • Current Spending Projections:

    • Total projected health expenditure: $300 billion.

    • Historical spending from 1975 to 2024 highlighted, showcasing increases over decades.

Sources of Payment for Healthcare in Canada (2024)

  1. Private: 29%

    • Out of Pocket: 14.6%

    • Private Insurance: 11.9%

    • Other: 2.5%

  2. Public: 71%

    • Provincial and territorial governments: 64.9%

    • Other public sector: 6.2%

Pressure on the Healthcare System

Key Issues

  • Outpatient Care: Increased demand leading to longer wait times.

  • Hospital Stay Duration: Shorter stays for patients.

  • Long-term Care: Rising demand but insufficient supply.

  • Healthcare Workforce: Notable shortages of nurses and primary care physicians.

E-Health Ontario Programs

  • Access for Patients:

    • Publicly funded drugs and pharmacy services provided to specific populations (e.g., seniors, youth).

    • Benefits of this network include improved therapy continuation, faster diagnoses, and monitoring of drug reactions.

Health811

  • Overview: A free, confidential helpline that provides health advice from registered nurses 24/7.

Drug Shortages

  • Current efforts to manage drug supply and address shortages effectively.

Patient Care in the Pharmacy

Services Offered in Pharmacies (besides prescription filling)

  • Checking for drug interactions.

  • Training on devices and non-pharmacological recommendations.

  • Disease management and providing advice for adverse drug reactions.

  • Offering tobacco cessation programs and vaccine administration.

Technology in the Workplace

  • Utilization of software for prescription filling, electronic prescriptions, and automated dispensing machines.

Pharmacy Safety Measures

Strategies for Safety in Pharmacy Settings:

  1. Limit drug quantities to prevent loss.

  2. Ensuring clear visibility and monitoring through CCTV.

  3. Maintain calmness and proper cash handling during stressful situations.

  4. Emergency response protocols must be established for injuries or threats.

Climate Action in Pharmacy

  • Proper disposal methods for medications and planning for extreme weather events.

  • Use of dry powder inhalers as a more environmentally friendly option.

  • Minimizing paper use through digital references.

NAPRA Competencies at Entry to Practice

  • Essential competencies for pharmacy technicians include providing clinical care, maintaining knowledge, effective communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Licensing Requirements for Pharmacy Professionals

Pharmacist (RPh) Requirements:

  • Minimum educational requirement: 2 years undergraduate study, followed by 4 years of professional studies leading to the PharmD.

  • Must pass the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exams.

Pharmacy Technician Licensing Steps:

  1. Graduate from a CCAPP-accredited program.

  2. Register as an Intern Technician.

  3. Complete entry-to-practice competencies.

  4. Pass the PEBC qualifying exam.

  5. Apply for registration.

Scope of Practice Overview

  • Defines the responsibilities and limitations of pharmacy technicians in practice, including areas of patient care and drug handling.

Authorized Acts

  • Pharmacy technicians may perform specific actions, including dispensing, supervising drug storage, and administering medications under certain conditions.

Types of Pharmacy Ownership Models

  • Various ownership structures affecting pharmacy operation and patient care, crucial for understanding the pharmacy landscape in Ontario.

Assignment Information

  • Students are required to access and complete the assigned learning modules by specified deadlines, ensuring understanding of pharmacy practice essentials.

Conclusion

  • Recap of key topics covered in Week 3 related to pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities in the healthcare system, alongside ongoing training and educational requirements.

Q&A

  • Open forum for questions regarding the material presented throughout the week and addressing any confusion or areas needing clarification.