B.C. pharmacists have asked for training and resources for B.C.’s Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS) to be made available prior to the June 1, 2023, launch date.
The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) is pleased to announce that medSask’s resource “Minor ailment and self-care guidelines” for pharmacists in B.C. is now available at no cost to all pharmacists and pharmacy students in British Columbia. You can log on now to access this resource.
This resource, funded by the B.C. Ministry of Health, provides treatment algorithms as well as patient assessment and treatment checklists for each condition. The resource is meant to serve as a tool to aid decision-making when assessing for minor ailments. Pharmacists are expected to exercise their professional judgment in their recommendations and prescribing practices. Please also note that medSask materials may not reflect the standards, limits and conditions set out by the College of Pharmacists of BC, or requirements for funding as determined by the B.C. Ministry of Health.
Who’s eligible for complimentary access:
All licensed pharmacists and pharmacy students registered with the College of Pharmacists of BC can access this free resource.
How to access medSask:
Your existing BCPhA log in will grant you access. If you do not have an account sign up for a complimentary account at https://bcpha.formstack.com/forms/etraining_signup
BCPhA membership is not required to sign up for an account.
Visit https://bcpharmacy.ca/medsask to learn more and to login.
Other educational materials:
UBC’s Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development program (CPPD) will release its clinical education material on minor ailment conditions, free of charge, for licensed B.C. pharmacists in the coming weeks.
Additional training and resources that will be made available prior to the June 1 launch:
- An educational module to support pharmacists’ understanding of the regulatory changes and requirements by the College of Pharmacists of BC
- A BCPhA orientation training module on prescribing for minor ailments and contraception that focuses on B.C.-specific requirements around PharmaCare and practice requirements.
- Accredited content on contraception and smoking cessation available from CPPD in summer 2023.