Last year, Pharmacists in British Columbia granted additional authority to prescribe medications for a 21 minor ailments, significantly improving access to healthcare for BC residents. Pharmacists have also had their scope of practice increased, with an emphasis on adapting and renewing prescriptions.
Minor Ailments and Pharmacist Prescribing
Pharmacists in BC can prescribe medications for the following 21 minor ailments:
| Minor Ailment | Drug Categories |
| Acne | Topical drugs |
| Allergic rhinitis (allergies affecting nose) | Intranasal drugs, including antihistamine drugs, Ophthalmic drugs, including antihistamine drugs, Oral antihistamine drugs |
| Conjunctivitis (allergic, bacterial or viral) (eye infections) | Ophthalmic drugs |
| Dermatitis (allergic, atopic, contact, diaper or seborrheic) | Topical drugs |
| Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping) | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Dyspepsia (heart-burn/acid reflux) | Gastric acid-reducing drugs |
| Fungal infections (Onychomycosis, Tinea corporis infection, Tinea cruris infection or Tinea pedis infection) | Topical drugs |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | Gastric acid-reducing drugs |
| Headache | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Hemorrhoids | Topical drugs |
| Herpes labialis (cold sores) | Topical drugs, including antiviral drugs, other types of antiviral drugs |
| Impetigo | Topical drugs |
| Musculoskeletal pain | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Nicotine dependence | Nicotine cessation drugs |
| Oral Ulcers (canker sores or aphthous ulcers) | Topical drugs |
| Oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush) | Antifungal drugs |
| Shingles | Antiviral drugs |
| Threadworms or pinworms | Anthelmintic drugs |
| Urinary tract infection (uncomplicated) | Antibiotic drugs |
| Urticaria (hives), including insect bites | Topical drugs, including antihistamine drugsOther types of antihistamine drugs |
| Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection) | Antifungal drugs |
Pharmacists are trained to assess these conditions and provide appropriate treatments, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care. This ability to prescribe for minor ailments helps to alleviate the burden on other healthcare providers, such as family doctors and emergency rooms, allowing them to focus on more complex cases. If a pharmacist determines, after an assessment and consultation with the their client, that they are able to assist, they can write a prescription. If they determine that the client’s ailment is not a minor ailment or they cannot for some other reason assist, the pharmacist will refer the patient to another healthcare provider.
Impact on Healthcare Access
Since the implementation of this expanded scope in June 2023, over 409,000 people have been treated for minor ailments or received free contraceptives from pharmacists. This has allowed many individuals to receive timely care without needing to visit a hospital or clinic, thereby reducing the burden on emergency services and family doctors.
The ability of pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments has significantly impacted healthcare access in BC. Patients can now receive care for common conditions such as acne, allergic rhinitis, and dyspepsia directly from their local pharmacy. This not only saves time for clients but also reduces the strain on the healthcare system. By providing care for minor ailments, pharmacists help to ensure that patients receive timely treatment, preventing conditions from worsening and potentially requiring more intensive medical intervention.
The Underutilization of Pharmacists
Pharmacists, especially those graduating with Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees, are highly trained medical professionals. Despite their extensive training, they are often underutilized in the healthcare system. By expanding their scope of practice, we can leverage their expertise to provide more comprehensive care.
Pharmacists undergo rigorous education and training, including extensive coursework in pharmacology, therapeutics, and patient care. They are well-equipped to manage a wide range of health conditions and provide valuable clinical services. However, their potential is often limited by restrictive regulations that prevent them from fully utilizing their skills. By expanding their scope of practice, we can better integrate pharmacists into the healthcare team, allowing them to contribute more effectively to patient care.
Increasing Points of Access
Creating more points of access to healthcare, such as through pharmacies and virtual care, increases overall access to medical services. This encourages individuals to seek assessment and treatment for their conditions before they become serious or turn into emergencies. Pharmacies are easily accessible and can provide immediate care, which is crucial for managing minor ailments effectively.
Pharmacies are often located in convenient locations, such as shopping centers and residential areas, making them easily accessible to the public. This accessibility is particularly important for individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare settings, such as those living in rural areas or with limited mobility. By providing care in these accessible locations, pharmacists can help to ensure that more people receive the medical attention they need.
Virtual care is another important avenue for increasing access to healthcare. Through telehealth services, many healthcare providers can help their clients meet their medical needs and goals. Pharmacists can provide consultations and prescribe medications for minor ailments remotely, although they can currently only bill for this service if it is conducted in person. This is especially beneficial for individuals who may be unable to visit a pharmacy in person, such as those with mobility issues or living in remote areas. By leveraging technology, we can further expand access to the healthcare system and improve access to care.
Powers of Pharmacists in BC
Pharmacists in BC have the authority to adapt prescriptions, extend prescriptions, and provide emergency supplies. This includes:
- Adapting Prescriptions: Pharmacists can change the dose, formulation, or regimen of a prescription to better suit the client’sneeds. This flexibility allows pharmacists to tailor treatments to individual patients, ensuring that they receive the most effective and appropriate care.
- Extending Prescriptions: They can renew a prescription to ensure continuity of care. This is particularly important for patients with chronic conditions who require ongoing medication. By extending prescriptions, pharmacists help to prevent interruptions in treatment and ensure that patients maintain their health. Pharmacists can extend a prescription for up to two years after the date that the prescription was first written by a primary care provider.
- Providing Emergency Supplies: In situations where a client cannot see their doctor, pharmacists can provide an emergency supply of medication. This ensures that patients have access to necessary medications even in urgent situations, preventing potential health complications.
These powers enable pharmacists to use their clinical judgment to help patients maintain their treatment regimens, especially in urgent situations. By allowing pharmacists to adapt and extend prescriptions, we can ensure that patients receive continuous and effective care.
Learning from Alberta
In Alberta, pharmacists have an even broader scope of practice. They can prescribe medications, order and interpret lab tests, and manage chronic conditions. This model has proven successful in improving access to primary care and managing patient health more effectively.
Alberta’s approach to expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists serves as a valuable model for other provinces. By granting pharmacists the authority to prescribe medications and order lab tests, Alberta has improved access to healthcare and enhanced the role of pharmacists in patient care. This has led to better health outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Conclusion
Expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists in BC to match that of Alberta would greatly benefit the public. Pharmacists are well-equipped to use their training and clinical judgment to provide high-quality care. By empowering them further, we can enhance access to healthcare, reduce the burden on other healthcare providers, and ensure that more people receive timely and effective treatment.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and their potential should be fully utilized. By expanding their scope of practice, we can improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes, and create a more efficient and effective healthcare system. It is time to recognize the valuable contributions of pharmacists and empower them to provide the care that patients need.