Certain Sask. pharmacies to be selected for strep throat, ear infection pilot project

Saskatchewan is further expanding the scope of its pharmacists. The government is setting up training that will certify pharmacists to be able to test for strep throat and assess for ear infections. The province says the training is a Canadian first and that through it “pharmacists will be able to perform rapid testing for strep throat where a lab sample is collected and tested on site, with results available in approximately 10 minutes.”As for ear infections, they will only require a physical assessment. “The pharmacist can then prescribe and dispense medication to treat if required,” read a government release. “Pharmacists are important members of our health care team, and this expansion allows them to make greater use of their education and skill set to benefit Saskatchewan patients,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said, in the release. “This innovative approach provides patients with improved access to health care services by offering diagnosis and treatment in one visit.”Ten pharmacies will soon be selected as a pilot project for both the strep throat and ear infection expansions, and 50 more sites will offer just the ear infection assessments. In order to take part, pharmacist will need to take the training and “meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals and follow mandatory guidelines.” "We are pleased to support the expansion of pharmacists' scope of practice to include the assessment and treatment of strep throat and ear infections," Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals Registrar Jeana Wendel said. "These new professional services are enabled through our updated bylaws and will be for select pharmacists who choose to complete additional training and education which will equip them with the necessary skills to deliver these services safely and effectively to the people of Saskatchewan." Any expansion of the program will be contingent on the success of the initial pilot. "As the voice of pharmacists across the province, we are excited to see the expanded scope of practice to include the assessment and treatment of strep throat and ear infections," Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) CEO Michael Fougere said. "Pharmacists stand ready to improve patient care by providing these enhanced services. PAS applauds the Minister and the Government of Saskatchewan for this exciting announcement."

Certain Sask. pharmacies to be selected for strep throat, ear infection pilot project

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