The BC Pharmacy Association conducted a survey among members from Dec. 15, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023 as a way to understand community pharmacists' sentiments around scope changes in British Columbia, including the expansion of adaptations, injections and prescribing for minor ailments.
We are pleased to present the key highlights from the survey. A total of 890 participants answered the survey, about one-fifth of the Association membership.
The vast majority of pharmacists (91%) say they want to prescribe for minor ailments and more than a third of pharmacists (36%) say they are prepared to perform minor ailment and contraceptives assessments without additional training.
Among those who did not wish to prescribe for minor ailments, their top reasons were:
- Increased responsibility and liability
- Lack of time
- Lack of incentive
In light of the feedback, the BCPhA has committed to providing additional training and resources for pharmacy teams in the lead up of minor ailment assessments. A five-part video series was launched in May 2023 as part of these resources. Additionally, the Association was able to advocate for a $20 fee for minor ailment assessments regardless of whether a prescription is issued or not.
Meanwhile, for adaptations and injections, the majority (79%) of pharmacists say they have adapted more prescriptions since October last year, while just under half (47%) of pharmacists say they have administered more injections after restrictions on injected medications were lifted last year.