" The team helps me with behind-the-scene tasks so that I can do everything that needs to be done for our patients..."
                   - Dr. Kirsten Meisinger, Union Square Family Health
                                                                                                           *from the Wall Street Journal

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Put a Pharmacist at Work for You

Why have a Clinical Pharmacist in 
a physician's office?

• Increased face time allocated to patients regarding medication management issues ( at least 20 min. per patient ).
• Flexible scheduling: A pharmacist can be scheduled in advance for as little as 1 day per week for a minimum of 8 patients.
• A valued health care service under direct supervision of the physician.

Which  Patients  are likely to Benefit the Most? 

Patients who:
• Need help with optimal control of a chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, pain, arthritis);

• Are taking multiple medications (to simplify, ensure appropriate dosing times, manage or prevent drug-related problems);

• Might be having an adverse drug event;

• Have recently been hospitalized (for counselling on medication changes);

• Are taking a drug at high risk for adverse events;

• Are having a medication adherence issue;

• Could benefit from medication counselling (e.g., starting a new medication);

• Need help tapering or changing a medication
(e.g., Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants).

What does the Pharmacist do at the physician's office?

The pharmacist conducts a Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) with the patient.

One portion of the report goes to the patient:

(BPMH)-Patient
- Patient consent; Known allergies;  Care Card#.
- Medications I take : What I take; Why I take it; How I take it; Special instructions if applicable.

The other portion of the report is left with the physician to file.

(BPMH)-Health care professional

• Name of Drug and Strength;
  
• - Prescriber Name; 
  
• - Source of information: Pharmanet, patient etc.
  
• - Action : Drug therapy problem plan, referral, follow up required
  
• Clinically relevant medications the patient is no longer taking ( if applicable)
  

Who Pays for this?

The Government of British Columbia started a program in 2012 which enables Pharmacists  to perform Medication Reviews, as a benefit of the British Columbia Health Care
 Insurance Plan. 

The College of Pharmacy greatly encourages our pharmacist/physician collaborative approach, and the consult is reimbursed by the Ministry of Health.

These reviews are designed to help British Columbians better understand and successfully manage their medications and medical conditions.