Pharmacy U news

The largest crowd ever gathered in Toronto for our 13th annual Pharmacy U educational event. Among the key themes: advocacy and normalizing using all aspects of pharmacists’ advanced scope of practice.

RSV is a single-stranded enveloped RNA virus, which uses its surface proteins to attach to the airway mucosa. Similar to other viruses, after gaining entry into the cell, it then replicates itself within the host causing a myriad of virus copies that lead to RSV infection.

Despite the learning curve that pharmacists have experienced since the implementation of minor ailments prescribing, the benefit of these services is clearly recognized by patients and healthcare providers alike across Canada.

Are you able to inspire and motivate others to do the things that need to be done to get where they want to go? I have had far too many conversations with far too many pharmacists which highlight this struggle. I can recall one pharmacist telling me, "I can't get anyone to do what I want them to do." In another conversation a pharmacist told me "I don't know what to say to my patients."

The best pharmacy leaders do not have all the answers, but they do know how to mobilize teams that find those answers. Before making big decisions, ask pharmacy staff what they think.

In the 30 years I’ve worked as a pharmacy owner and as a process analyst/ designer advising independent and corporate pharmacies around the world, the pharmacist-at-intake workflow is the most transformative single advancement I have witnessed.

As you look at your pharmacy team, you may see some cups which are half empty as well as some that are half full. You may even see a cup or two that need a good wash. No matter the individual or collective state of your cups, take a moment to "refill the cups" of your team.

Companies need to stop setting service goals and instead strive to solve their operator pain points. In fixing operator problems that unlock services, they will also unlock other aspects of what makes a pharmacy strong, like driving prescription and over-the-counter growth.