Friday Five (September 1, 2023)

The September 1, 2023 edition of the Friday Five is now available.

Public Consultation on Pharmacy Inducements 

Please be advised that the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has initiated a public consultation and survey concerning potential adjustments to pharmacy practice in our province. 

Currently under consideration is the implementation of a ban on pharmacy inducements, which may include loyalty points, rewards, or rebates offered to patients in connection with pharmacy drugs, prescriptions, or services. As part of this process, CPhM is actively seeking feedback from the public to better understand the implications of these inducements on those seeking pharmacy care and services in Manitoba. 

The expected outcomes of this proposed ban are: 

  • Enhanced Patient Safety: Ensuring healthcare decisions are based on the patient’s well-being, rather than incentives. 
  • Improved Healthcare Results: Promoting better healthcare outcomes for Manitobans. 
  • Support for the Pharmacy Profession: Creating a more inclusive environment to uphold the standards of the profession. 

Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to extend this invitation to their patients and clients, urging them to share their valuable perspectives through the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NBKFHKD

For further details regarding this consultation, please visit the CPhM webpage: CPhM Public Consultation on Pharmacy Inducements. 

Should you have any inquiries or require additional information, please contact us at shareyourvoice@cphm.ca. 

ISMP Article – Preventing Errors with Intravenous Acetylcysteine

Precision is paramount in medicine, where every action is measured in milligrams and microliters. Recently, alarming reports have emerged regarding consequences stemming from errors in administering intravenous (IV) acetylcysteine. CPhM is sharing the ISMP Canada Safety Bulletin on the issue to raise awareness about the life-threatening potential of acetylcysteine infusion errors and to advocate for comprehensive measures to prevent them. 

Safety IQ Needs Your Insight: Program Review Survey for Community Pharmacy Professionals 

After over a year of use by community pharmacies, Safety IQ is undergoing a program review. The purpose of this program review is to assess the extent of use and usefulness of the various Safety IQ processes and tools.  

As part of this program review, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) would love to hear from you as to the challenges of Safety IQ use, benefits you have experienced, and changes to enhance the program. The CPhM very much welcomes your input and feedback on Safety IQ and hopes that you will take the time to complete the survey.  

On August 23, 2023, CPhM sent a direct communication to all practicing community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians inviting them to participate in the assessment through an online survey. Please check your inbox for additional information and a link to the survey. If you cannot find or did not receive a link to the survey and you’d like to participate, please contact us by email at safetyiq@cphm.ca.  

To reach as many pharmacy professionals as possible, including pharmacy assistants, pharmacy managers are encouraged to share the survey information with all community pharmacy staff.  

Please fill out this survey only if you work in a community pharmacy setting. 

Your experiences and insights are very valuable and will help shape the future of Safety IQ.

Notice of CPhM Office Hours Closure for September Long Weekend

Please be advised that the CPhM office will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2023, to observe Labour Day. 

Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Upcoming Events & Professional Development Opportunities 

Managing Drug Shortages in Pediatric Patients  

Can be claimed as 0.75 accredited CEU
Recording available here.   

 Opioid Agonist Therapy 101 Introduction to Clinical Practice 

October 26 and 27, 2023 
Click here to register and for more information.