The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) today officially opens the new Pharmacists Clinic, Canada’s first university-affiliated, licensed, pharmacist-led patient care clinic.
“The Pharmacists Clinic represents a bold step forward in the way we train pharmacists and our commitment to innovation in pharmacy education, research and practice,” says Dr. Michael Coughtrie, professor and dean, UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Located in mezzanine level of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, the 1,470-square-foot space consists of five consultation rooms equipped with state-of-the-art point of care equipment and software, including blood pressure monitors and access to electronic health care information through Excelleris. Services provided to patients, who come to the Clinic by physician- or self-referral, include comprehensive medication reviews and vaccinations. In addition, the Clinic will serve as a teaching site for UBC Pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists seeking professional development opportunities, and, a living laboratory where health outcomes research will be conducted to help tackle challenges faced by the Canadian healthcare system, such as medication adherence.
“We are very grateful to the many individuals and partner organizations who helped make the Pharmacists Clinic possible,” says Clinic Director Barbara Gobis. “Our vendors, the College of Pharmacists of BC, the BC Pharmacy Association, and our faculty and university colleagues have been instrumental to our success.”
A private reception will be held this evening at the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building to commemorate the opening. The Pharmacists Clinic is open Monday -Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more, visit http://clinic.pharmacy.ubc.ca.
Background
History of Concept
• 2010: Concept envisioned by three faculty members.
• 2011: Faculty provided seed funding to develop the concept.
• 2012: Faculty engaged a consulting firm to conduct an environmental scan and develop a business case.
• Sep 2012: Faculty officially opened its new location, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, with designated space for the Clinic.
• Apr 2013: Director hired to develop and open the Clinic.
• Nov 2013: The Clinic commenced operations and provided care to its first patient.
Milestone Dates
• Oct 31, 2013: The Clinic met all requirements and received approval for licensure by the College of Pharmacists of BC.
• Nov 4, 2013: Ministry of Health enabled a live connection with PharmaNet, signifying the Clinic was operationally able to open.
• Nov 12, 2013: First patient received care at the Clinic.
User Stats (as of April 2014)
768 patients received care:
• 285 medication consultations
• 265 vaccinations
• 253 heart health education and screening
83 undergraduate students and 2 pharmacy residents (in postgraduate training) participated in the care of patients.
17 pharmacist volunteers participated in supervisory or care delivery roles.
12 outreach events organized and delivered through the PC.