Policy makers in Canada and internationally have recognized that pharmacists are not used appropriately in the health care system. Pharmacists are critical to the sustainability of the system through ensuring the appropriate use of medications and optimizing health outcomes, and delivering programs in areas such as chronic disease management, wellness and patient self-management. Yet governments have struggled with the policy, processes and infrastructure required to integrate pharmacists and medication management services into a complex health care reform environment.
Ontario has committed to a proactive approach to health care reform through its transformation agenda with the objective of creating a health care system that is patient-focused, results driven, integrated and sustainable. OPA endorses this approach to health care reform and is committed to working with government and other stakeholders to ensure that pharmacists are integrated into this way of thinking and into the practice and governance models, and into the delivery organizations that are required to meet this vision.
Fundamental changes to the health care system are required to meet the vision of the government of Ontario. OPA and the pharmacists of Ontario have workable solutions and are ready to provide their skills and expertise to help meet this vision.
OPA has developed a Four Pillar Approach to policy development and implementation that clearly outlines how pharmacists and pharmacy can be integrated into the health care system to improve access to valuable services, which have been demonstrated to improve health outcomes and contain overall health care costs.
OPA’s Four Pillar Approach incorporates the following critical components:
New Reimbursement Model – Establish a fair reimbursement model for traditional dispensing and professional pharmacy services
Information Technology – Effective use of information technology to support professional practice, integration and collaboration and improved patent outcomes.
Integration and Collaboration – Pharmacists are recognized as valued members of the health care team and are integrated effectively into collaborative practice models.
Pharmacy Professional Services – Establish comprehensive medication management policies and strategies that ensure appropriate use, improved health outcomes and that support public health, and disease prevention and promotion.
LATEST:
New Reimbursement Model – Establish a fair reimbursement model for traditional dispensing and professional pharmacy services
Information Technology – Effective use of information technology to support professional practice, integration and collaboration and improved patent outcomes. 
Integration and Collaboration – Pharmacists are recognized as valued members of the health care team and are integrated effectively into collaborative practice models. 
Pharmacy Professional Services – Establish comprehensive medication management policies and strategies that ensure appropriate use, improved health outcomes and that support public health, and disease prevention and promotion.
