There he is, standing behind the counter on some elevated platform, head down, concentrating on a tray of little tables, furiously counting away. Your pharmacist.
Well, no. The image dates back many decades reminiscent of history rather than modern medicine.
Today's pharmacist is far removed from pill counting. He or she is an important piece of our healthcare system, one that offers much more than 'just' filling prescriptions.
First off, the counting is probably being done by a pharmacy technician or assistant under the guidance of the pharmacist, so, no counting. Instead, the pharmacist is focussed on providing patient care and related services in support of health and wellness. He or she has a great deal of training related to health, medications and more.
To become a licensed pharmacist in Canada requires a bachelor's or doctor of pharmacy degree from one of 10 Canadian universities (including UBC); to complete a national board examination through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada; and practical experience through an apprenticeship/internship program.
The role of the pharmacist has evolved well beyond filling prescriptions. She or he now plays a more significant role in your health and wellness and has responsibilities extending beyond dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress so as to maximize their response to the medication.
Pharmacists also play a role in educating consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
Their role in education includes providing advice on medicines both prescription and over-the-counter. Medication reviews are an excellent example of how they educate and assist patients. This review is a one-on-one consultation that can provide you with a better understanding of your medication routine. The review will include all medicines and related products: prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal products including dosage and frequency. The pharmacist will help evaluate how each affects your health, including any interactions or conflicts. They will also check for appropriateness of medicines. The review may even include discussion of other health topics from smoking to nutrition and exercise.
The role of pharmacists varies slightly between provinces.
In B.C., pharmacists can provide an emergency supply of medications (for example, when a person has no prescription to prevent interruption in person's treatment). He or she can review and extend prescription refills, change dosage and formulation and even make therapeutic substitutions, that is, provide a drug from the same class of medication as prescribed. This most occurs when the first drug is not covered by a medical plan, but its therapeutic equivalent is.
A pharmacist may also adapt certain prescriptions. That is, change the dosage, formulation or regimen prescribed. Pharmacists can also review immunization history and dispense regular vaccines without a doctor's prescription such as those for hepatitis A and B, and shingles.
Today's pharmacists are a key part of good health care. Don't be hesitant to get to know him or her. They are there for you, and can provide so much more than a few pills. After all, their bottom line is to help you get well.
Editor's note: Dr. Paul Martiquet is the medical health officer for rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
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