Pharmacists say they can help increase access

The Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PANL) says pharmacists are well positioned to aid people in the province who find themselves without family doctors.

A news release notes that, with appropriate government support and funding, pharmacists could increase access to health care for patients through its 200 community pharmacies in Newfoundland and Labrador — many in small, rural communities that lack medical clinics.

New regulations under the Pharmacy Act, 2012 in 2015 allowed pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador to treat a number of minor ailments requiring prescription medication, such as nausea, cold sores, hemorrhoids and eczema, the release states.

“Studies have shown that these types of minor conditions comprise up to 40 per cent of GP office visits,” said PANL president Janice Audeau, a community pharmacist. “And while it was positive when pharmacists were given the authority to prescribe and treat these conditions, more residents would avail of these services through their pharmacy if they did not have to pay out of pocket for it. Patients should be able to receive care from pharmacists without having to worry about the cost. Medical coverage for pharmacist care would certainly increase the number of patients availing of their local pharmacy instead of waiting to see a physician or going to the emergency room.”

The release notes that government support for changes to pharmacists’ scope of practice, enabling pharmacists to practice to their full ability, would also increase the accessibility of health care delivery at a lower cost.

An example noted is the condition of urinary tract infections (UTI) — a common condition that often results in the initiation of anti-bacterial therapy. It is the eighth most common reason for ambulatory clinic visits and the fifth most common reason for emergency department visits in Canada, the release states.

UTI affects 12 to 15 per cent of women annually, and approximately 50 per cent of women will experience a UTI by the time they turn 32 years of age. The ability for pharmacists to prescribe for UTI varies in Canada from province to province, with New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Alberta allowing pharmacists to prescribe for this indication, to varying extents.

“Pharmacists are accessible primary care professionals who are well positioned to take on a larger role in the management of UTI,” Audeau stated. “Residents in this province suffering from uncomplicated UTIS should be able to get prescriptions directly from a pharmacist instead of having to visit their doctor, walk-in clinic or emergency room.”