Friday Five (January 05, 2024)

The January 5th, 2024 edition of the Friday Five is now available.

Conclusion of Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the CPhM Bylaws

Please be advised that the recent consultation on proposed amendments to the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba’s (CPhM) bylaws has concluded. This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward modernizing the governance framework to better serve the public interest. Thank you to everyone that provided their feedback; your comments and suggestions will be presented to CPhM Council for careful consideration. 

Next Steps: Virtual Town Hall

Please be reminded of the upcoming Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Monday, January 29th, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

During this session, CPhM Council will outline key elements of the proposed bylaws which have been revised to incorporate your feedback and will address additional questions during the question-and-answer portion of the town hall. Use the link below to register to attend this upcoming virtual event.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2017043885014/WN_9SCsDFz7QjKHv3cE-x1MhQ 

Your involvement is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to your continued engagement.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession.

Introducing The Governance Hub

In 2020, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) Council undertook a thorough governance review, enlisting a consultant to recommend changes that would elevate transparency, accountability, and sustainability within the CPhM governance framework. The ensuing recommendations informed revisions to the bylaws, transitioning CPhM toward a policy-based decision-making framework. This shift permits Council to navigate key governance areas with precision while allowing for the development of detailed policies.

As these transformative strides toward a more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable governance framework progress, you are invited to explore the newly launched web page, ‘Self-Regulation,’ which aims to outline the concepts of professional self-regulation in Manitoba and offer valuable resources and guidance on the principles and practices of self-regulatory governance.

The page comprises an insightful overview of best-practice concepts in modern governance for regulators and the role of CPhM as the regulatory body for the pharmacy professions in Manitoba. Central to this resource is ‘The Governance Hub,’ a database providing insights, resources, and expert perspectives to enhance understanding and proficiency in regulatory practices. From articles on effective board governance to resources on self-regulation principles, this hub will be the go-to destination for comprehensive information about governance concepts for a self-regulating profession.

Current Governance Hub Features:

  • Many Perspectives, One Interest: Delve into the challenges and significance of fostering diverse perspectives within professional regulatory boards. Understand the crucial emphasis for board members to prioritize the public interest and set aside personal or constituency-based considerations. 
  • Understanding the Differences Between a Regulatory Organization & an Advocacy Group: Discover the distinctions in roles, responsibilities, and orientations between a regulatory organization and an advocacy group within the health professions landscape. 

This evolving page will continue to expand alongside the organization’s strategic growth, offering more information and resources. 

If you have questions or comments about the Governance Hub, please share your feedback at communications@cphm.ca to collectively foster a culture of continuous learning and regulatory excellence.

General Call for Expressions of Interest for Committee Service  

The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has both statutory and standing committees. The role of statutory committees is to carry out legislated duties; the role of standing committees is to support the work of the Council. All committee work contributes to the CPhM mandate to regulate the practice of pharmacy in the public interest.  

The composition of each committee varies and consists of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians registered/listed with CPhM, members of the public, and Council members.   

Those interested in becoming a committee member with CPhM are encouraged to view the information on the website and submit a Committee Expression of Interest form 

CPhM considers a number of factors when reviewing expressions of interest for committee service, including expertise, experience, practice setting, demographic representation, and other unique skills or attributes. Appointments to committees are made in the best interest of the committee as a whole to ensure the committee is properly constituted and able to function effectively and achieve its duties and responsibilities.   

Efforts are made to match volunteers with their expressed interests; appointments are contingent on the vacancies at any given time. 

SIQ Feature: Everyone Has a Role to Play: Continuous Quality Improvement and Patient Safety in Community Pharmacy 

A recent blog post by Safety IQ Academy summarizes the key recommendations for pharmacists, pharmacy staff, and pharmacy management from the ISMP Canada analysis on harm incidents in Manitoba pharmacies.  

Emphasizing the distinct roles and responsibilities of each team member, the article identifies six areas for implementing straightforward enhancements throughout the prescription process: 

  • Clinical Check: Assess the appropriateness of the prescription for the patient. 
  • Order Entry: Input prescription information into the pharmacy dispensing software. 
  • Dispensing: Select, prepare, package, and label medication. 
  • Technical Check: Confirm the accuracy of the order entry and dispensing steps. 
  • Patient Counseling: Provide sufficient information to enable safe and effective use. 
  • Pick-Up/Delivery: Provide medication to the patient or their agent.

The report’s key takeaway underscores that everyone in the pharmacy can and should ensure that standards are met. By implementing and maintaining the recommendations outlined in the report, pharmacies can better serve their communities and contribute to improved patient outcomes.  

Read the full article here: Everyone has a Role to Play in Patient Safety – Safety IQ Academy 

Upcoming Events and Professional Development Opportunities 

The following update comes from the College of Pharmacy (CoP), University of Manitoba: 

Thank you to all pharmacists who participated in the Professional Development (PD) Survey distributed May 12 to June 9, 2023. The survey aimed to understand the programming that best met the PD needs of Manitoba’s pharmacists. 

From 201 respondents across diverse practice settings: 

  • 6.5% expressed interest in the PharmD Bridging Program, a decline from 27% in 2020. 
  • Primary barriers included cost, uncertainty about program benefits, and time constraints. 
  • In contrast, 20% showed keen interest, and 50% expressed general interest in a shorter Micro-credential program, Essentials in Advanced Patient Care for Pharmacists. 

Considering these findings and based on PharmD Bridging Advisory Committee input and stakeholder discussions, the CoP Council recommended focusing on the development of a Micro-credential program and not continuing with the development of the PharmD Bridging Program. 

The CoP website has been updated to include the specifics about the Professional Development survey results and information on the Micro-certificate program: https://umanitoba.ca/pharmacy/community-and-partners#professional-development-survey
If you have any questions, please contact PharmacyPD@umanitoba.ca. 

Medical Examiner PD Webinar – Engaging Patie0l./nts with Care: Tapering, Brief Interventions, and Substance Use Insights  
  • Click here to view the live event recording.  
  • 1.5 accredited CEU.  
Lessons from Complaints: A Series on Injection-Related Best Practices Part 1: Best Practices Review for Pharmacists & Part 2: Trends in Injection-Related Complaints  
  • Click here to view the recordings.  
  • 0.75 accredited CEU. 
Managing Drug Shortages in Pediatric Patients  
  • Click here to view the recording.  
  • 0.75 accredited CEU.