Honouring a Decade of Transformative Pharmacy Practice and Patient-Centric Care
In November 2013, the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences launched the Pharmacists Clinic, a ground-breaking initiative that has since redefined the landscape of patient care and pharmacy practice in Canada. The Clinic is one of several initiatives conceived and developed by the Faculty’s Office of the Associate Dean, Practice Innovation over the past 12 years to provide academic leadership in pharmacy practice innovation to improve the care patients in BC receive from pharmacists.
Since its inception, the Clinic has solidified its position as Canada's largest university-affiliated, licensed, pharmacist-led patient care clinic. Notably, in September 2021, the Clinic achieved a significant milestone with an impressive 20,000 patient care touch points.
The Clinic has spearheaded several pioneering partnerships and initiatives that have significantly impacted the community. Notable among these is the Cardiovascular Assessment and Medication Management by Pharmacists at the UBC Site (CAMMPUS) project, a collaboration that significantly improved cardiovascular heart health for UBC Vancouver faculty and staff. Furthermore, collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority and a supportive role in the Pharmacists in Primary Care Network (PCN) Program have reinforced the Clinic's commitment to fostering accessible and comprehensive healthcare services.
Patient-Centred Services and Education
The Pharmacists Clinic provides a diverse range of patient care services, including comprehensive medication management, immunizations, and outreach education and preventive health events. Patients can access these services through multiple avenues, such as in-person consultations, selected medical practices, telephone consultations, secure video calls, and in-person visits to remote communities.
In addition, the Clinic serves as an educational hub for pharmacy students, supporting various academic programs with resources and participation in courses.
Gathering to Reflect on a Decade of Success
The Faculty celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Pharmacists Clinic with a memorable event on Tuesday, November 21. Dean pro tem Larry Lynd, in his remarks, emphasized the Clinic's role in impacting pharmacy practice and healthcare innovation over the years.
“The 10th anniversary of the Pharmacists Clinic is a momentous occasion for our Faculty,” says Dr. Lynd. “It signifies a decade of unwavering commitment to enhancing patient care and driving pharmacy practice forward. As we move ahead, the Clinic and our Practice Innovation portfolio will remain pivotal forces in shaping the future of pharmacy and healthcare."
To learn more about the Pharmacists Clinic at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, please visit pharmacistsclinic.ubc.ca.
Photos: Oleksii Popov / UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences