Pharmacy Workplace Issues to be Explored in Multi-Province Study
TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) and the British Columbia Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) are jointly supporting a comprehensive study to examine the pharmacy workplace environment across several provinces.
The study, to be conducted by the EY National Health Care Team, aims to bring greater clarity around such factors as employment standards, training, prescription volume trends, with input from experienced pharmacists and other employees, and the expectations of new pharmacists just entering practice. By engaging with pharmacists, pharmacy managers and owners, and regulators across the country, a better understanding of the workplace needs of pharmacists will be achieved.
Targeted interviews, focus group workshops, along with desktop research will be performed over the next several months to help provide an accurate and up-to-date perspective on the pharmacy workplace environment.
Remarking on the study, Justin Bates, the CEO of Neighbourhood Pharmacies said "The pharmacy workplace has a higher profile and has attracted more interest across the broader pharmacy community in Canada. It is essential that we work from a common base of knowledge that reflects the contribution of a range of pharmacy stakeholders. Our members want to play a central and proactive role, and we are very pleased to be working in partnership with BCPhA on this initiative."
It is understood that pharmacy regulatory bodies in all provinces will be interviewed, with pharmacy managers and owners providing their perspectives. Also, pharmacists from at least three provinces will participate in focus groups. Such issues as human resource policies and implementation, governance and regulations, and the direct experience of working pharmacists will be evaluated as part of the work.
"The BCPhA represents both pharmacists and pharmacy owners and we want to ensure that the pharmacy workplace is examined as comprehensively as possible," said Geraldine Vance, CEO of the BCPhA. "There is a shared commitment to ensuring that pharmacists practice to the highest standards and consistently meet their patients' healthcare needs."
The EY-led study is anticipated to get underway in April 2017, with results expected within a few months.
About the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada:
The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) is the respected voice and advocate for the business of pharmacy. We represent the owners and operators of the country's leading brands, serving Canadians through chain, banner and franchised neighbourhood pharmacies, as well as grocers and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. We also represent the leading retail and banner buying groups serving independent pharmacies. Pharmacy suppliers - including pharmaceutical manufacturers, technology companies, data specialists, marketing companies and consultants - also participate in the organization as associates.
About the British Columbia Pharmacy Association:
The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is a not-for-profit professional association that represents more than 3,150 pharmacists and more than 900 pharmacies throughout British Columbia. Recognized as the voice for community pharmacy, the Association aims to support and advance the professional role and economic viability of its members so they may provide enhanced patient-centered care.
SOURCE Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada
For further information: Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada: Anthony Silva, COO/SVP, Stakeholder Relations, [email protected], 416-226-9100 ext. 4005; British Columbia Pharmacy Association: Angie Gaddy, Director, Communications, [email protected], 604-269-2863
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