OPA’s Programs Department is responsible for the initiation, development and delivery of special projects and programs that support the Vision of the OPA. Both current and developing programs contribute towards supporting pharmacists for today’s practice realities and preparing them for tomorrow’s opportunities.
It has been more than five years since the Clinical Tobacco Intervention (CTI) Program was launched at the OPA. As a collaborative effort with the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Dental Association, the CTI Program has achieved great success in supporting health care practitioners for their role in helping their patients stop using tobacco products. Recognized by provincial, national and international bodies for its innovative and comprehensive approach to this complex issue, CTI has provided education, training and ongoing support to thousands of pharmacists. Recent expansion of the Program, including the Quit Connection fax referral program, and the E-Learning module Youth and Smoking Cessation: Meeting the Challenges means that CTI continues to provide strong leadership in the field of tobacco cessation. CTI is funded, in part, by the Government of Ontario.
The Safe Meds Programs continue to grow, providing community pharmacists with the tools necessary to educate our seniors and others in the community about the appropriate use of medications. The Safe Meds Programs help put the pharmacist front and centre as the medication expert, especially for those most at risk of adverse events. The Safe Meds programs include: Safe Meds for Seniors; Safe Meds for Heart; Safe Meds for Kids; Safe Meds for Driving. Established by the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat, and with ongoing support from the Government of Ontario, Safe Meds for Seniors is presented to thousands of seniors every year. The development and delivery of the Safe Meds for Heart program is supported by AstraZeneca Canada and Pfizer Canada, and includes a new on-line version. The Safe Meds for Kids is also available to pharmacists in Ontario, looking for a suitable presentation for primary school age children. Safe Meds programs and the expertise of the pharmacist are promoted regularly on AM740 radio.
A number of other initiatives have been undertaken to ensure that the OPA is serving the needs of pharmacists for changing roles in professional practice. The OPA has joined with the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste Marie in the EMRxtra Program.
Practical approaches to managing other clinical issues, such as cardiovascular disease and addictions are now in development. OPA is pleased to have the opportunity to work with various corporate sponsors, educational institutions, non-governmental agencies and other groups to develop programs that meet the every day needs of practicing pharmacists in Ontario.
With the advent of professional services in Ontario, the Programs Department is working closely with the Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC) to ensure that pharmacists have the tools and resources in place to support their work in this area. 10 Tips for Effective and Efficient Medication Reviews is now available at the Ontario RPh website. OPA Programs also provide pharmacists with tools and resources to help in the delivery of Professional Services of many types.
It is important to recognize that integration and collaboration are essential to both successful program implementation on a provincial level and successful pharmacy practice at the local level. Plans are already underway for building on the successes we have had and implementation of new programs that will bring pharmacists to the forefront as a primary health care provider.
For more information please contact us at mail@opatoday.com or call (416) 441-0788.
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