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SUMMER 2021 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 2 PHARMACYCONNECTION.CA THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO COLLEGE OF PHARMACISTS ONGOING LEARNING SUPPORTS ENHANCED PATIENT OUTCOMES Quality Assurance: Supporting Enhanced Outcomes for Patients Through Up-to-Date Knowledge and Skills 34 Using Continuous Quality Improvement to Enhance Medication Safety 18 Tips from the College’s Operations Advisors on Non-Sterile Compounding Standards Implementation 20 PHARMACY CONNECTION Goes Digital 10
Ontario College of Pharmacists 483 Huron Street, Toronto, ON M5R 2R4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS T 416-962-4861 PM indicates a public member appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council. www.ocpinfo.com U of T indicates the Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. U of W indicates the Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy, QUICK CONTACTS University of Waterloo. Office of the CEO & Registrar registrar@ocpinfo.com Pharmacist Directors PM Stephen Adams Statutory Committees ext. 2245 Douglas Brown PM Randy Baker • Accreditation OCP Board of Directors Billy Cheung PM David Breukelman • Discipline boardofdirectors@ocpinfo.com Sara Ingram PM Tammy Cotie • Executive ext. 2243 James Morrison PM Christine Henderson • Fitness to Practise Tracey Phillips PM Elnora Magboo • Inquiries Complaints & Reports Pharmacy Practice Mark Scanlon PM Rick Phillips • Patient Relations pharmacypractice@ocpinfo.com Siva Sivapalan PM Gene Szabo • Quality Assurance ext. 3500 PM Cindy Wagg • Registration Registration Programs Pharmacy PM Devinder Walia regprograms@ocpinfo.com Technician Directors U of T Lisa Dolovich Standing Committees ext. 2250 Goran Petrovic U of W Andrea Edginton •Drug Preparation Premises Ruth-Ann Plaxton • Finance & Audit Member Applications & Renewals • Governance memberapplications@ocpinfo.com • Screening ext. 3400 Pharmacy Applications & Renewals pharmacyapplications@ocpinfo.com ext. 3600 (2019-2022/2023)* *In September 2020, the Board reaffirmed the priorities expressed within the existing multi-year strategic framework and deferred strategic planning activities through to 2022 or 2023. PAGE 2 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
The objectives of Pharmacy Connection are to communicate information about College activities and policies as well as provincial and federal initiatives affecting the profession; to encourage dialogue and discuss issues of interest to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and applicants; to promote interprofessional collaboration of registrants with other allied health care professionals; and to communicate our role to registrants and stakeholders as regulator of the profession in the public interest. We also invite you to share your comments, suggestions or feedback by letter to the Editor. Letters considered for reprinting must include the author’s name, address and telephone number. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views or official position of the Ontario College of Pharmacists. PUBLISHED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT communications@ocpinfo.com SUMMER 2021 • VOLUME 28 NUMBER 2 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! CONTENTS CEO and Registrar's Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 facebook-f Board Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.facebook.com/ocpinfo Registrar’s Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Pharmacy Professionals Play Vital Role in Ontario’s Safe Re-opening . . . . 8 Pharmacy Connection Goes Digital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Twitter The Code of Ethics: Accountability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 www.twitter.com/ocpinfo Experiencing Mental Health or Substance Use Challenges? . . . . . . . . . 13 The Role of Provider Experience in Quality Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Clinical Viewers Now Available to all Community Pharmacies . . . . . . . . 16 YOUTUBE Resources for Pharmacy Professionals to Support www.youtube.com/ocpinfo Indigenous Cultural Competency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Using Continuous Quality Improvement to Enhance Medication Safety . . 18 Implementation of Non-Sterile Compounding Standards: Tips from the LINKEDIN-IN College’s Operations Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 www.linkedin.com/company/ Update on Opioid Use Disorder Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 ontario-college-of-pharmacists Helping Prevent Opioid-Related Harms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Practice Insight: Responsibilities of Designated Managers . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Use of CAS Registry Numbers® as Unique Identifiers in Compounding ISSN 1198-354X Processes has the Potential to Reduce Medication Errors . . . . . . . . . . . 30 © 2021 Ontario College of Pharmacists Canada Post Agreement #40069798 Discipline Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Undelivered copies should be returned to the Reflect, Then Act: Implementing New Practices Requires Ontario College of Pharmacists. Not to be Critical Self-Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the Publisher. Quality Assurance: Enhanced Patient Outcomes Through Improving Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Knowledge Assessment: Focusing on the Knowledge and Skills Needed to Provide Appropriate Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Addressing Common Questions About Practice Assessments for Pharmacists Working in Hospital, Long-Term Care and Family Health Teams . . . . . . . 38 Focus on Error Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
CEO AND REGISTRAR’S MESSAGE of establishing a culture of assessment and practice medication safety in pharmacies, assessments for pharmacists we have launched a new feature working in hospital or other called Eye on CQI. In our first healthcare facilities. installment we take a look at how each of these are vital We continue to see the components in enhancing patient devastating effects of the opioid safety and improving patient crisis right across Ontario, health outcomes. Pharmacy further heightened by the impact professionals are encouraged to that the COVID-19 pandemic use AIMS to inform CQI initiatives has had on the population. In in their own pharmacy practice, 2020 alone, there were 2,426 and to embrace a just culture, opioid-related deaths in our which is essential for identifying province, representing a 60% Nancy Lum-Wilson, risks, openly sharing learnings rise from 2019. We know that R.Ph., B.Sc.Phm., MBA and developing actions to pharmacy professionals have an CEO and Registrar reduce the chance of medication important role to play in helping incidents or near misses from prevent harms to patients and occurring or recurring. communities. In this edition, we Dear Colleagues, asked experts from the Centre Pharmacies across the province for Addiction and Mental Health This edition of Pharmacy are working to fully implement the to highlight key guidance for Connection marks the transition NAPRA Standards for Pharmacy pharmacy professionals as opioid of the College’s print magazine to Compounding of Non-Sterile use disorder treatment options a dynamic new digital publication Preparations before the January continue to evolve. that will improve timely access to 1, 2022 deadline, and we asked important information, tips, news our College operations advisors I hope you enjoy this edition of and updates relevant to practicing to share some advice. The tips and Pharmacy Connection, and that pharmacy professionals. It will also resources they have provided will you all have a safe, well-deserved allow us to focus on publishing help pharmacies implement the summer break. information that will be easy for standards and improve the health you to find—no matter what and safety of both patients and Sincerely, device or platform you are using pharmacy professionals. in your busy practice. Part of the College’s commitment The enhanced Pharmacy to protecting the public is Connection reflects input from helping to ensure that pharmacy registrants who shared feedback professionals maintain appropriate on its functionality and the type skills and knowledge throughout Nancy Lum-Wilson of information they valued most their careers. Through the Quality in their daily practice. I encourage Assurance (QA) Program, the CEO and Registrar you to continue telling us what College has a mandate to ensure Ontario College of Pharmacists you think of the digital edition so continued competence of the that we may continue to support profession to provide safe, quality a seamless, engaging experience care. We do this by helping those going forward. Be sure to visit who have challenges meeting PharmacyConnection.ca to try standards and enabling those the new features! who are meeting standards to continually improve. In this edition, To show the relationship between we share more about how the continuous quality improvement College has approached our QA (CQI), the College’s mandatory Program, utilizing a right-touch Assurance and Improvement and risk-based approach, and we in Medication Safety (AIMS) focus on two key components Program, and the importance of the Program: the knowledge PAGE 4 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
BOARD REPORT JUNE 2021 BOARD MEETINGS These meetings were held via video and teleconference in consideration of provincial directives and physical distancing measures recommended by Public Health Ontario due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As recorded following the Board of Directors' regularly scheduled meeting held on June 14, 2021. BOARD DECISIONS of the current health emergency. including those related to the Once the emergency order has Selection of Committee Chairs, The Board discussed and made been lifted in Ontario, the College Conduct of Board Directors decisions on the following policies will continue to monitor the and Committee Appointees and and By-Law amendments: status of the drug shortages and Sanctions Process, and Board determine whether development Meeting Rules of Procedure. The Virtual Care Policy of a permanent restocking policy amended By-Laws will come into is warranted. The policy has been effect immediately, enabling the The Board approved an amended posted on the OCP website, changes to be in place prior to Virtual Care Policy to outline and additional information and the commencement of the next the practice expectations for resources to support registrants Board year in September 2021. registrants who choose to in the application of the policy in provide care to patients using their practice, where appropriate, HONOURING NATIONAL virtual approaches. The policy’s have been shared. INDIGENOUS development was informed HISTORY MONTH by a comprehensive review of Governance Manual policies pharmacy regulatory authorities To mark National Indigenous across Canada and health The Board reviewed and approved History Month, the Board professional regulators in Ontario, policies in Sections 3, 4 and 5 of welcomed Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, alongside a review of privacy the Governance Manual. This is Canada’s first self-identified legislation and guidance from the final approval for a series of First Nations Doctor of external organizations, as well as standalone policies which, once Pharmacy, who shared his from feedback gathered during complete, will replace the current thoughts on Indigenous a 60-day open consultation. The Governance Manual. The current Engagement, Cultural Safety, policy has been posted on the manual, in effect since 2014, is and Reconciliation. Improving College’s website, along with comprehensive but lengthy and Indigenous cultural competency additional resources to guide not easily amended. The new within the College and among registrants in their practice. policies will come into effect at registrants is a Board-supported the start of the new Board year in commitment, and the Board Restocking of MAiD Drugs September 2021, with orientation thanked Dr. Swidrovich for his of new Board members centred insights about how pharmacy Due to the pandemic, a shortage around these new policies. professionals can enhance care of drugs used in the Medical for Indigenous patients. Assistance in Dying (MAiD) drug By-Law Amendments protocol has impacted a number CROSS-JURISDICTIONAL of patients. The Board has To support improvement in SERVICES POLICY approved a policy on Restocking governance practice and to of Drugs Used for Medical strengthen trust in the College’s Following a 60-day open Assistance in Dying (MAiD) During mandate to serve and protect consultation on a proposed COVID-19, with the intent that it the public, the Board approved Cross-Jurisdictional Services be in effect only for the duration three By-Law amendments, Policy, the College will update PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 5
BOARD REPORT the draft with amendments of the performance of the NEXT BOARD MEETING based on respondent input. College against the established Feedback suggested that potential objectives for the quarter, which The next regularly scheduled unintentional barriers to cross- are aligned with the Ministry of meeting will be held on September jurisdictional care could result if Health’s College Performance 20, 2021. Special Board meetings the policy was to be implemented Measurement Framework (CPMF). may be called at any time. Please as written, and some respondents see our website for information requested the development of an BOARD RISK REPORT on upcoming Board meetings. accompanying practice resource Board meetings are open to the to augment the policy and provide The CEO and Registrar also public and are typically held in the examples around expectations. presented the Board Risk Board Chambers of the College at Once amendments have been Report, outlining identified 483 Huron Street, Toronto, ON, made, and a practice resource physical, financial, operational M5R 2R4. Due to public health is developed to accompany the and reputational risks and measures currently in place, Board policy, the College will submit an their mitigation strategies. meetings are being held virtually amended policy for Board approval. The presentation outlined the until further notice. If you plan College’s 2021-2022 Risk to attend an in-person meeting STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Management Program and or for more information, please PROGRESS UPDATE reported on the progress to contact Ms. Sharlene Rankin, mitigate risks identified in the Board and Committee Liaison The College’s CEO and Registrar 2021 Risk Register. To date, 82% at boardofdirectors@ocpinfo. delivered a report to the Board of the strategies are implemented com. Links for those who wish to highlighting activities that or underway. Throughout the fall, observe a virtual meeting will be have taken place since the last the College will develop the 2022 posted with meeting agendas. You meeting, as well as progress on Risk Register for consideration by can also follow highlights from the strategic initiatives. The Registrar the Finance and Audit Committee Board meetings via Twitter. shared the Q1 2021 Scorecard, and then the Board at the which provides a snapshot December Board meeting. A summary of record of the Board of Directors' meeting held on June 24, 2021. The Board approved governance and burden • Ensuring a 50/50 balance of elected professionals reduction recommendations in response to the and appointed public directors to the Board, while Ministry of Health’s request for input on Regulated eliminating academic appointments. The Board Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) reform recommended ensuring academic representation be opportunities. maintained in other ways, such as advisory groups. In a letter to be shared with the government for • Maintaining the current model of competency consideration in potential amendments to the based elections with aligned competency-based RHPA, the Board expressed its continued support appointments of public Board directors. for and approved the following governance reforms and principles, some of which have already been • Changing nomenclature in the RHPA to refer to implemented at the College: ‘Council’ as ‘Board’, and ‘Members’ as ‘Registrants’. • Smaller Boards (Councils), reducing the size of The Board also expressed its support for additional the Board to 8-12 members and eliminating the burden reduction opportunities within the RHPA Executive Committee. in response to the Ministry’s request for feedback. Please read the full June 24, 2021 Board Report. • Separating the Board from statutory Committees, except where required by statute. PAGE 6 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
REGISTRAR’S Reflection For more than a year now we have been talking about the pandemic and the many ways in which it has altered pharmacy practice. The changes that have been implemented to protect patients and pharmacy staff were nothing short of extraordinary, and their effectiveness has helped maintain access to safe, quality pharmacy care for Ontarians. Pharmacy professionals met the re-opening of businesses and technician to administer the public health crisis head-on, and community services, and made it COVID-19 vaccine by injection. showed remarkable resilience possible to see our friends, family Though this amendment is only in the way they adapted to and colleagues in person once in effect until next March, it regulatory amendments again. does demonstrate the value of and changing public health authorizing pharmacy professionals recommendations. Community Yet while the end of the pandemic to support the province’s COVID- pharmacies used PPE, screening may be in sight, it is unlikely that we 19 vaccination program, and could protocols and physical distancing will completely return to business be reinstated or extended should to prevent the spread of as usual. We can’t predict what the Ontarians require booster doses in COVID-19 in their locations, future may hold, but we can take the future. establishing them as safe, the lessons we have learned to accessible healthcare providers improve the way safe patient care The College continues to monitor for patients. Hospital pharmacists is provided going forward. the evolution of pharmacy practice and pharmacy technicians played and government regulation an increasingly vital role in patient We know, for instance, that the as a result of the pandemic, care as COVID-19 patient pandemic created a demand for and to collaboratively provide volumes soared. And pharmacy virtual care, and that emerging registrants with ongoing guidance professionals in all settings technology is making it easier and resources to support their became trusted sources of reliable and safer in a pharmacy setting. safe delivery of pharmacy care. COVID-19 information, helping As a result, the College’s Board Please refer to our COVID-19 patients make informed decisions of Directors recently approved a Information for Pharmacy for themselves and their families. new Virtual Care policy, informed Professionals web page for the by feedback from an open latest updates. In addition, 16 months after the consultation on our website. This pandemic began, we are seeing the policy sets expectations for the The COVID-19 pandemic benefit of pharmacists, pharmacy appropriate use of virtual care has brought many challenges technicians and other healthcare for pharmacies, and requires and placed an extraordinary professionals supporting the that pharmacy professionals amount of stress on healthcare government’s COVID-19 testing consider certain factors such as professionals. I want to thank you and vaccination programs in maintaining a patient’s right to for your ongoing commitment to communities across Ontario. privacy, the appropriateness of your patients throughout these using a virtual approach to care, challenging times. COVID-19 cases have declined and ensuring the same quality as substantially, and as of August 3 in-person care is provided. Sincerely, the number of adult Ontarians Nancy with at least a first dose of And, while temporary, we saw the vaccine has exceeded 80% of the provincial government amend population, and over 70% have the Regulated Health Professions also received their second dose. Act, 1991 (RHPA) to allow a Part This has relieved pressure on A pharmacist, intern, registered our hospitals, allowed a gradual pharmacy student or pharmacy PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 7
PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS PLAY VITAL ROLE IN ONTARIO’S SAFE RE-OPENING As Ontario’s vaccination rates continue to climb and the province begins to re-open, pharmacy professionals are playing a key role in driving province-wide progress and improvements in health indicators. Through patient education, support and community vaccinations, pharmacy professionals are keeping Ontarians informed and healthy. With evolving public health During the provision of pharmacy Even if you are not providing guidance, pharmacy professionals services, while engaging with vaccinations in your pharmacy, continue to be an important their patients, pharmacy as a healthcare professional you source of information and professionals are encouraged to play an important role in ensuring education for patients, including ask patients whether they have patients have the information addressing questions and received the first and second they need to make an informed concerns about vaccines. It is dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. If decision and helping them important that pharmacists and the patient has not received a navigate the vaccination process pharmacy technicians educate vaccine, pharmacists can offer when appropriate. Patients can themselves about the COVID-19 patient education around the also be reminded to seek out and vaccines so that they are prepared safety and efficacy of the vaccine rely on reputable and credible to address questions and concerns and discuss any concerns the information sources. from patients. patient may have. TOP FIVE COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR PHARMACY PROFESSIONALS The College provides a host of resources pharmacy professionals can use in their daily practice to help guide conversations with patients. The College continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, public health officials and other health system partners and professional associations to inform and support pharmacy professionals. COVID-19: Information for Immunize Canada Pharmacy Professionals Immunize Canada is a national The College’s dedicated COVID-19 coalition whose mission is to promote webpage includes the latest updates on the understanding and use of COVID-19, resources on supporting vaccines as recommended by the vaccine confidence and visually engaging health National Advisory Committee on Immunization. resources. Access resources on education, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Canadian Vaccination Evidence Resource and Exchange Centre Centre for Effective Practice (CANVax) COVID-19 webpage Find resources focused on vaccine The Centre for Effective Practice has acceptance and uptake in Canada, evidence-based resources, including including COVID-19 vaccine questions and answers common COVID-19 questions from for public health professionals. patients and key messages to use in responding. University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy COVID-19 health resources Access health resources on COVID-19 vaccines, including FAQs, infographics and videos. PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 9
PHARMACY CONNECTION GOES DIGITAL The College is excited to announce the launch of its new digital Pharmacy Connection, a web-based and mobile-friendly publication suitable for busy, on-the-go pharmacy professionals. This new digital publication will improve access to important information, tips, news and updates, and give registrants quick and easy access to practice-related information. The College’s move to digital underscores our focus on providing a more responsive and timely resource that supports our important role in delivering relevant content that pharmacy professionals can use to help them provide safe and quality patient care. Delivering content that can be quickly shared and easily updated will help registrants align their practice to the latest policies and updates.
PHARMACY CONNECTION GOES DIGITAL Shifting to this new, flexible digital platform means the College is retiring the current print magazine format. This edition of Pharmacy Connection will be the last to be printed and mailed to hard- copy subscribers. The redesigned, user-friendly PharmacyConnection.ca will allow readers to access current information, issues and engage with content anywhere, anytime. For those who prefer to read on paper, every story on PharmacyConnection.ca has a prominent and accessible print button, giving readers quick and easy access to a print-friendly version of the articles. In addition to printing articles, readers can engage with and share the stories with their peers via social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or email. As part of our commitment to supporting a positive reading experience, we will continue to seek feedback from registrants and make enhancements to support an engaging experience for readers. Check out the new PharmacyConnection.ca for the latest news and updates! HOW GOING DIGITAL BENEFITS YOU RESPONSIVE • Access more frequently updated content and timelier posts relevant to pharmacy regulation and practice • Available across all devices, making it suitable for on-the-go pharmacy professionals INTERACTIVE • Access embedded videos and interactive content, enhancing your reading experience • Easily share stories with your network and across social platforms FLEXIBLE • Digital content is not bound by a quarterly publication schedule, giving you access to news and updates as they happen • Articles are published when they are most relevant and timely, and can be easily updated with new information SUSTAINABLE • Contribute towards an environmentally friendly initiative, eliminating the need for printing over a million pieces of paper a year • Support the College’s commitment to be a cost-effective and efficient regulator PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 11
THE CODE OF ETHICS: Accountability Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians maintain the public trust by ensuring that they act in the best interest of their patients and society by practicing within scope, refraining from participating in unethical business practices and avoiding conflicts of interest. Key ethical standards, among others, require pharmacy professionals to: Assume responsibility for all decisions and actions they undertake in professional practice, including failure to make a decision and take appropriate action when necessary. Be diligent in identifying and responding to red flag situations that present in practice. Report professional incompetence or unethical behaviour by colleagues or other healthcare professionals to the appropriate regulatory authority. Ensure that when power imbalances exist in professional working relationships they do not exploit these relationships for personal, physical, emotional, financial, social or sexual gain. Recognize that their patient’s best interests must always override their own interests or the interests of the business which they own, have a financial interest in or are employed by. Avoid dual relationships and other situations which may present a conflict of interest and potentially affect their ability to be impartial and unbiased in their decision-making. LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY •R ead the Code of Ethics •W atch the e-Learning Module on Accountability •W atch the e-Learning Module on the Code of Ethics •R eview the Framework for Ethical Decision Making The Code of Ethics articulates the ethical principles and standards that must guide the practice of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. As a way to draw attention to the Code of Ethics since its introduction almost five years ago, we have been featuring one ethical principle in the past few editions of Pharmacy Connection. This is the final installment. PAGE 12 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
EXPERIENCING Mental Health or Substance Use Challenges? Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Take advantage of the free Ontario Pharmacy Health Program (OPHP) administered by Lifemark Health. Registrants can access OPHP directly and remain anonymous to the College. Those who participate in the program will benefit from specialized assessment and treatment that addresses the unique needs of pharmacy professionals. Lifemark Health provides registrants with comprehensive psychological, psychiatric and/or substance use assessments: clear diagnostic and functional formulation of a registrant’s condition, treatment and practice recommendations. Recognizing the pandemic’s impact on pharmacy professionals, Lifemark Health also has resources on coping with COVID-19 stress, a COVID-19 self-care and resilience guide, and more. Access frequently asked questions about the program in Pharmacy Connection. Learn more about the program on the Lifemark Health website. PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 13
THE ROLE OF PROVIDER EXPERIENCE in Quality Healthcare Like the focus on patient experience, measuring the experience of healthcare providers can help uncover important health system improvement opportunities.
MEASURING THE PROVIDER EXPERIENCE There is a to identify meaningful indicators principles provide all pharmacy well-established that will measure provider stakeholders with a foundation link between experience. Quality indicators to guide decision making that healthcare already exist in other areas of the supports consistent delivery of provider health system, such as long-term safe, high quality patient care experience and care and primary care, and a at all times within a community patient outcomes. great deal of work has already pharmacy environment. For example, many been done to establish indicators studies of burnout among in hospital pharmacy. However, An implementation strategy is clinicians and staff in healthcare it is relatively new territory for currently being developed that have shown the negative impacts community pharmacy in Ontario, will involve each stakeholder on patient care and outcomes. which is why it is the focus of playing an important part in the Research demonstrates that this current indicators work. The rollout, promotion and adoption physician burnout is associated working group has been reviewing of the principles throughout the with an increased risk of patient existing indicators from other profession. safety incidents and poorer quality disciplines, and will recommend of care due to low professionalismi, a shortlist of these indicators for While the selection of provider dissatisfied physicians are more public consultation this summer experience measures is a separate likely to prescribe inappropriate stream of activity, the environment medications, which can result in A list of confirmed provider that pharmacy professionals expensive complicationsii, patient experience measures will be practice within does affect the safety is threatened by nurse finalized based on stakeholder experience of providing care. dissatisfaction, and many nurses feedback and presented to the Therefore, the development of report that their workload causes Board in December 2021. The principles of shared accountability them to miss important changes in College will also use the public will inform the selection of their patients’ conditioniii. consultation to explore options for provider experience measures and collecting the data going forward. contribute to the College’s efforts Yet measuring the experience of to support safe and effective community pharmacy professionals COMMUNITY PRACTICE patient care. within the context of healthcare ENVIRONMENT quality and outcomes has never Information about the Community been done before—a literature The work to develop provider Practice Environment and the review conducted by the College experience indicators complements Quality Indicators initiatives will found no community pharmacy- the Community Practice continue to be shared in future specific measures identified here in Environment Initiative, aimed at editions of e-Connect and Canada or around the world. understanding and addressing Pharmacy Connection. the barriers to patient safety As part of the College’s Quality in community pharmacy. This Indicators initiative, a working initiative resulted in a set of shared group of frontline pharmacy accountability principles, approved professionals, patients, and health by the College’s Board of Directors and data experts has been formed in December 2020. These i Panagioti, M., Geraghty, K., Johnson, J., Zhou, A., Panagopoulou, E., Chew-Graham, C., ... & Esmail, A. (2018). Association between physician burnout and patient safety, professionalism, and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 178(10), 1317-1331. Williams, E. S., & Skinner, A. C. (2003). Outcomes of physician job satisfaction: a narrative review, implications, and directions for future research. ii Health Care Management Review, 28(2), 119-139. iii McHugh, M. D., Kutney-Lee, A., Cimiotti, J. P., Sloane, D. M., & Aiken, L. H. (2011). Nurses’ widespread job dissatisfaction, burnout, and frustration with health benefits signal problems for patient care. Health Affairs, 30(2), 202-210. PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 15
CLINICAL VIEWERS Now Available to All Community Pharmacies Ontario Health is now offering patient care information to pharmacies, including laboratory results, dispensed medications, and acute care data, through one of two provincial clinical viewers (ConnectingOntario and ClinicalConnect) that are designated by region. The viewers provide a dynamic, Sign up today and take advantage pharmacy to access these valuable near real-time view of patients’ of Ontario Health’s new, clinical viewers, which will help health information to support streamlined signup process. You’ll pharmacists make more informed the delivery of pharmacy services also benefit from support every decisions and provide enhanced such as medication management step of the way from an Ontario patient care. and counselling, MedsChecks, Health Lead who will address any Pharmaceutical Opinions, and questions you have and help your Questions about the clinical other patient care services at no pharmacy complete the access viewers and sign up process can cost to pharmacies. requirements. be directed to Ontario Health at oh-ds_connectingontario@ With access to the clinical viewers To sign up, the pharmacy’s ontariohealth.ca. pharmacists can make faster, Designated Manager or Director more informed care decisions, and Liaison can complete a request improve workflow and efficiencies on Ontario Health’s website. The at the point of care with a more College encourages all pharmacy complete picture of a patient’s professionals to take advantage health profile, available 24/7. of this great opportunity for your PAGE 16 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
Resources for Pharmacy Professionals TO SUPPORT INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMPETENCY In 2019, the College’s Board of Directors made an Indigenous cultural competency and safety commitment. As part of this, the College committed to sharing resources with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that would help them enhance the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples living in Ontario. The new Resources for Pharmacy Professionals to These resources have been curated from a variety of Support Indigenous Cultural Competency webpage sources, including government websites, healthcare provides links to a number of free resources that organizations, advocacy bodies and Indigenous-led explore Indigenous identity and history, truth and organizations. Additional resources will continue to be reconciliation and culturally competent healthcare. added to this page, so you are encouraged to check Registrants are encouraged to take the time to review back regularly. If you know of any resources that the the resources that are most relevant to their practice. College should consider including in this list, please email communications@ocpinfo.com. PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 17
USING CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT TO ENHANCE MEDICATION SAFETY It is often said that all improvement requires change, but not all change results in improvement. That’s where the concept of continuous quality improvement, also known as CQI, comes in. In pharmacy, the objective of CQI on both system improvements medication incidents and better is to improve all aspects of practice as well as the tasks that individual understand why they happen and with the goal of increasing patient practitioners perform. how they can be prevented. safety. This may include learning from medication incidents and How AIMS supports CQI As shown in the diagram on implementing error prevention the next page, pharmacy strategies to reduce the chances The College’s mandatory professionals record medication of recurrence, such as process Assurance and Improvement in incidents and near misses in the standardization or improvements. Medication Safety (AIMS) Program AIMS Pharmapod platform, and is based on a CQI approach. With analyze the incident to identify CQI is about change, and increasing the goal of reducing the risk of learnings and actions that can be the chances that the changes made patient harm caused by medication implemented in the pharmacy to in pharmacy result in improved incidents in, or involving, Ontario reduce the risk of harm to patients patient safety. To achieve safer pharmacies, AIMS enables and enhance patient safety. care for patients, CQI must focus practitioners to learn from PAGE 18 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT How AIMS Supports CQI from recurring and supporting meaningful, sustainable change at the pharmacy level and, eventually, across the health system. It is an expectation that all pharmacy operations are conducted in a manner that supports the AIMS program and the requirements outlined in the Supplemental Standards of Practice (sSOP) that were designed to enable pharmacy professionals to Record medication incidents meet this goal. and near misses in the AIMS platform Resources to support AIMS Creating a culture of medication safety is a journey, and the College has compiled a number of resources to support pharmacies on that journey as they integrate CQI and AIMS into their workflows. Reduce the risk of harm Identify learnings and to patients and enhance actions to implement •A IMS Program e-training: Community pharmacy patient safety in the pharmacy staff must complete the six e-Learning modules that introduce the AIMS Program and provide information on the expectations for pharmacy The data recorded in the AIMS Pharmapod platform professionals and on how to use the AIMS is then de-identified and aggregated with data from Pharmapod platform. The modules take less other pharmacies across the province to create a than one hour to complete. After completing snapshot of trends or opportunities for system-level each module, registrants can print a certificate of improvements. A sub-set of this data is available completion to confirm they have reviewed the on the OCP website as an interactive tool, and the content. This certificate of completion may be kept College is currently working with a group of subject for your own records and does not need to be matter experts from various environments that submitted to the College. have experience related to medication safety, such as community pharmacy, academia and health data •P harmacy Safety Self Assessment (PSSA): analysis, to support the AIMS program goals of sharing Community pharmacies are required to complete lessons learned across the province. the PSSA for the first time by December 31, 2021. A Pharmacy Safety Self-Assessment User Guide has Creating a culture of medication safety been developed to support Designated Managers and pharmacy staff in the PSSA completion. For AIMS to effectively inform CQI, pharmacy owners and Designated Managers must enable a just culture •P harmacy Connection articles about AIMS: that supports learning and a system-based approach Review past articles written about AIMS in to incident analysis over a blame and shame culture Pharmacy Connection. that focuses on human behaviours. • ISMP Canada Safety Bulletin, March 30, 2021: A culture of medication safety can be described as Review articles on Never Events for Community shared values, norms, competencies and attitudes Pharmacy and Analysis of Findings from Safety towards patient safety among individuals within an Assessments of Community Pharmacies. organization.1 Members of a safety culture report incidents without fear of blame, learn from incidents 1 https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/hnews/201802- to make improvements, and trust their organization HospitalNews-MedSCIM.pdf will deal with them fairly when something goes 2 https://cphm.ca/wp-content/uploads/Resource-Library/SafetyIQ/ wrong.2 A culture of medication safety encourages CPSC-Toolkit-FINAL.pdf staff to engage in open, honest discussions about medication incidents and near misses. It also permits staff to identify the causes of incidents and to share lessons learned with an emphasis on preventing errors PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 19
IMPLEMENTATION OF NON-STERILE COMPOUNDING STANDARDS: Tips from the College’s Operations Advisors As pharmacies work to fully implement the NAPRA Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-Sterile Preparations in advance of the final Phase 3 deadline of January 1, 2022, College operations advisors continue to engage pharmacy professionals during pharmacy assessments on their obligations under the standards. Pharmacy Connection asked the College operations advisors to each name one piece of advice they would give to registrants to support implementation of the standards and contribute to health and safety at the pharmacy for both patients and pharmacy professionals. READ THE STANDARDS AND RESOURCES Read both the Model Standards and RESOURCES the companion guidance document for •M odel Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Pharmacy Compounding of Non-Sterile Non-Sterile Preparations Preparations, in their entirety. •G uidance Document for Pharmacy Compounding of Review the Pharmacy Connection articles addressing Non-Sterile Preparations requirements, common questions and additional •N on-Sterile Compounding articles in Pharmacy resources to support implementation. Connection LOOK AT YOUR PRACTICE AS A WHOLE, NOT JUST INDIVIDUAL COMPOUNDED PREPARATIONS Apply the risk-based approach to RESOURCES your entire compounding practice: •F requently Asked Questions – Risk Assessment and identify risks, assess them and mitigate Mitigation them through safety measures and administrative controls. Consider the • Non-Sterile Preparations Assessment Criteria cumulative risk associated with all preparations being to assess gaps between current practices and compounded by the pharmacy. requirements of the standards •N ovember 4 Webinar Slides Part Two – Risk Assessments and Requirements PAGE 20 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
SAFETY FIRST RESOURCES The standards are designed first and •N ovember 4 Webinar Slides Part One – Rationale foremost to keep patients and pharmacy for Standards personnel safe. How can you reduce the •F requently Asked Questions – Risk Assessment and risk of errors during preparation of the prescription? Mitigation How can you create a safe work environment and • Implementing the Non-Sterile Compounding protect those performing the compounding from Standards: A Closer Look at Personal Protective potential hazards? Equipment – Pharmacy Connection Summer 2019 FOCUS ON THE PATIENT: ASSESS THE PRESCRIPTION AND EVALUATE THE NEED FOR COMPOUNDING Ask yourself, is the compounded RESOURCES preparation the most appropriate for •N ovember 4 Webinar Slides Part Three – Patient the patient? Is there a suitable manufactured product Assessment commercially available? Can it be safely compounded in your pharmacy? Remember to document and • Staying on Track for Full Implementation of defend any decision you make. Non-Sterile Compounding Standards – Pharmacy Connection Spring/Summer 2020 REVIEW ALL OF THE COMPOUNDS YOU ARE MAKING AND ENSURE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE Ensure you have the appropriate RESOURCES record for each compound that the •M aster Formulation Records and Compounding pharmacy prepares. Do you have up-to-date Master Records: What’s the Difference? – Pharmacy Formulation Records, which include all necessary Connection Winter/Spring 2021 information to compound the preparation, for every specific non-sterile preparation? KEEP PROGRESSING AND TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME Break down the required tasks into RESOURCES smaller chunks and set timelines for •F illable Checklist Overview of Phases 1, 2 and 3 completion. What can you plan for this month, next month and the month after that to move your pharmacy forward? WHAT ARE COLLEGE OPERATIONS ADVISORS LOOKING FOR DURING A PHARMACY ASSESSMENT? During assessments of pharmacies performing non-sterile compounding, College operations advisors will be looking for completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities as those deadlines have now passed. While the College recognizes the impact of the pandemic on the pharmacy environment, it remains vital that pharmacies and staff remain focused on meeting the requirements linked to these standards. These efforts will allow for feedback from the College operations advisors during the assessment to outline where the pharmacy is meeting standards as well as opportunities for improvement. College operations advisors can also help answer questions about the Phase 3 implementation. PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 21
UPDATE ON OPIOID USE DISORDER TREATMENT A Changing Landscape Beth Sproule, RPh, BScPhm, PharmD 1,2 Maria Zhang, RPh, BScPhm, PharmD, MSc 1,2 1 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario 2 Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto Opioid-related mortality continues to increase significantly in Ontario. In 2020 alone, there were 2,426 opioid-related deaths in our province, representing a 60% rise from 2019.1 The illicit fentanyl supply is a key driver of the current opioid crisis as it directly contributed to 87% of the deaths in 2020.1 The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this public health crisis, likely related to changes in the illegal drug supply due to supply disruptions, less access to services and harm reduction supports, and greater use of substances to cope with stress.2 SO HOW CAN Unfortunately, the impact may use disorder. Pharmacotherapy is PHARMACISTS HELP? be dampened as many deaths the most effective treatment for occur without anyone else opioid use disorder, and we know The roots of the crisis lie, in present to intervene.1 Knowing that opioid agonist therapy (OAT) part, in the rise of prescription this, pharmacists can ensure that saves lives. The mortality risk is opioid availability over the last their patients who use drugs know significantly reduced for people two decades and those risks are of local resources such as safe with opioid use disorder while in still present.3-5 Continuing to consumption/injection sites, and OAT treatment compared to out of advance and improve our opioid other harm reduction practices OAT treatment—even in the era stewardship activities is critical in such as using drugs with a trusted of illicit fentanyl.7 helping to prevent our patients family member or friend, in a space from developing opioid use where they could be found quickly, At the same time, the approach to disorder and other iatrogenic and/or utilizing supports available, providing OAT services is evolving opioid-related sequelae. Also, such as the National Overdose as the opioid crisis advances, and our take-home naloxone kit Response Service hotline (nors.ca) we are experiencing fundamental distribution efforts are vital in or technology such as Brave App change in Ontario. The most preventing overdose-related or Lifeguard App. significant shift is the change in the deaths. Between July 1, 2017 role of the College of Physicians and June 30, 2018, Ontario For individuals living with opioid and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) pharmacies dispensed 91,456 use disorder, there is an additional in setting the standards of practice take-home naloxone kits, evidence-based effective method for methadone treatment. The accounting for 62% of all kits to saving lives where pharmacists CPSO Methadone Maintenance distributed in the province.6 play a central role—treating opioid Treatment Program Standards PAGE 22 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
UPDATE ON OUD TREATMENT and Clinical Guidelines from 2011 were rescinded or home inductions)10, the availability of new in March 2021.8 This decision was taken because long-acting buprenorphine formulations (i.e., it was perceived that the exceptional status of extended release injection and subdermal implant)10, methadone, and the high degree of oversight, modified approaches for methadone treatment for disincentivized physicians in offering the service, people using fentanyl11, increasing acceptance of thus limiting access for patients.8 This is similar to slow-release oral morphine (SROM) for opioid use the rationale for Health Canada’s 2018 decision disorder12, injectable OAT treatment options (i.e., to remove the Section 56 exemption requirement hydromorphone, diacetylmorphine)13 and the growing for methadone prescribers—to improve access to availability of safer supply programs.14,15 The goal treatment.9 Other recent practice changes include of this article is to help pharmacists navigate these the adoption of non-traditional techniques for changes by highlighting the current guidance available initiating buprenorphine (e.g., microdosing and/ and key messages. KEY RESOURCES FOR PHARMACISTS Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Synthesis of Canadian Topics covered: How to initiate, titrate, and stabilize Guidelines for Treating Opioid Use Disorder methadone treatment, balancing the risks of Release date: May 2021 methadone toxicity with the significant dangers associated with illicit fentanyl use if OAT is not Developed by: Centre for Addiction and Mental available or if treatment needs to be restarted Health with medical regulatory authorities across Canada including the College of Physicians and Take note: Recommendations around when and Surgeons of Ontario how to use the upper end of the dose ranges, add slow-release oral morphine to prioritize Place in practice: Detailed national guideline on engagement and retention in treatment. Likewise, opioid agonist therapy synthesized from provincial alternative management of missed doses is standards and guidelines with updates and additional suggested to avoid treatment drop-out. A webinar expert opinion recording and a plain language summary are also OAT discussed: Buprenorphine, methadone, slow- available through META:PHI. release oral morphine, and injectable OAT Topics covered: Broad ranging (e.g., engaging patients, COVID-19 Opioid Agonist Treatment Guidance building relationships, expectations of prescribers, how Release date: March 2020; last updated December to choose treatments, best practice summaries) 2020 Take note: Updated guidance on the value of urine Developed by: Collaborators from CAMH, META:PHI, drug testing and ECGs, non-traditional buprenorphine Ontario Medical Association (OMA) induction strategies, when to use SROM Place in practice: Helps clinicians navigate buprenorphine and methadone treatment as it relates Methadone treatment for people who use fentanyl: to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions specifically. Recommendations OAT discussed: Buprenorphine and methadone Release date: June 30, 2021 Topics covered: Modified buprenorphine and Developed by: Mentoring, Education, and Clinical methadone take-home doses, frequency of visits Tools for Addiction: Partners in Health Integration (META:PHI), a provincial initiative based at Women’s Take note: Focuses on increasing the number of College Hospital take-home doses for patients to reduce the need for pharmacy visits. The changes during the pandemic Place in practice: For experienced prescribers who are being evaluated to help determine whether the are able to apply clinical judgment when using these take-home dose strategies should go back to usual methadone treatment recommendations for people after the pandemic or not. An accompanying guide for who use fentanyl as they have uniquely high opioid pharmacists was developed by CAMH. tolerance OAT discussed: Methadone only, specifically for people who use fentanyl PHARMACY CONNECTION ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PAGE 23
UPDATE ON OUD TREATMENT OTHER EMERGING PRACTICES Injectable forms of OAT (i.e., injectable supply programs in Ontario allowing expansion of hydromorphone and diacetylmorphine) have a current programs and the development of new well-developed evidence base over many years programs.14,18,19 These include programs that provide supporting their use for people who have not scheduled dispensing through machines accessed responded to oral OAT options.16 iOAT programs using biometrics (MySafe Project).20 Evaluation of function similarly to other OAT programs, however, these programs is underway to help guide the way patients visit the clinic multiple times per day to forward. It will be helpful to have more information inject prescribed pharmaceutical diacetylmorphine on the benefits of these programs (reduced harms or hydromorphone. The clinics are staffed by trained related to opioid use, improved health and social healthcare professionals and peer support workers outcomes), as well as how to mitigate potential who can intervene quickly in cases of overdose. unintended consequences (e.g., health complications These programs have limited availability in Ontario, from injecting tablets, tablet diversion to new users). A however, there is ongoing work to develop resources, guidance document is available at Safer Opioid Supply raise awareness, provide support and identify and Programs (SOS): A Harm Reduction Informed Guiding address barriers to this evidence-based treatment.17 A Document for Primary Care Teams. More information significant hindrance is the limited availability of funding is available through the Safer Opioid Supply Ontario support. Clinical and operational guidance are available Community of Practice. for clinicians and health administrators through the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. Other resources that may be useful for pharmacists, particularly those who are looking for a primer into Safer Supply Programs function as an additional opioid use disorder include the CRISM National response to the overdose crisis, with the goal to Guideline for the Clinical Management of Opioid reduce the risk of overdose and overdose deaths by Use Disorder which provides high-level guidance on providing pharmaceutical opioids as an alternative to selecting between various opioid agonist treatments, the toxic illicit supply. This harm reduction approach without detailing exactly how to prescribe them. is intended to support those who continue to meet criteria for opioid use disorder despite being in OAT Additionally, the Health Quality Ontario Opioid Use programs and/or individuals who face barriers in Disorder Quality Standard includes a strong statement accessing OAT. Safer supply programs are generally confirming OAT as first-line treatment, and clear offered through primary care settings (Community guidance for what people with opioid use disorder Health Centres or primary care clinics) allowing should expect from Ontario treatment providers. engagement in other health and social supports. Lastly, for pharmacists working with older adults, the A common model utilized is to provide a supply Canadian Guidelines on Opioid Use Disorder Among of SROM (daily observed dosing) in combination Older Adults make recommendations tailored to with take-home hydromorphone immediate- this population including prevention measures and release tablets. Health Canada is supporting safer treatment approaches. SUMMARY These guidance documents all speak to the CAMH guidance specifically for pharmacists (Opioid importance to improving access to OAT for people Agonist Maintenance Treatment: A Pharmacist’s Guide with opioid use disorder, as well as ensuring quality of to Methadone and Buprenorphine for Opioid Use care to meet their needs. The focus on engaging and Disorder21) is being revised to continue to support retaining people in treatment is a direct response to practice. Many of the same tenets still apply, but the current, still worsening opioid crisis. Understanding clinical judgement and decisions tailored to the patient the patient, their situation and treatment goals is situation are essential. During this time of changing key to informing clinical decisions. This is facilitated guidance, the significance of effective communication by effective communication between pharmacists and collaboration cannot be overstated. Patient safety and prescribers. Good clinical documentation also and their retention in treatment depend on it. assists pharmacists within practice settings. The PAGE 24 ~ SUMMER 2021 ~ PHARMACY CONNECTION
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