Provision of pain management by a pharmacist with prescribing authority

Abstract

Patients with chronic non-cancer-related pain were managed effectively by a pharmacist with prescribing authority and refill authorization in a pain management clinic. The favorable clinical outcomes, revenue generated, and cost savings achieved justified the pharmacist clinician's services in this health system.

Doctor and pharmacist — back to the apothecary!

“…29 The limited international experiences to date (UK, US, and Canada) suggest that pharmacists are capable of prescribing a range of drug therapies safely and effectively, including oral contraceptives, analgesics, antihypertensives and warfarin. [29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Expanded roles for pharmacists The pharmacy profession is currently exploring expanded roles in primary care. These include prevention and aspects of chronic disease management 36 with medication reviews in individuals' homes or residential aged care facilities, 37,38 and the development of formularies and reviewing repeat prescriptions.…”

Quantifying the Opportunity for Pharmacists to Improve Management of Hypertension in a Primary Care Medical Clinic

“…1 Evidence shows pharmacy services in outpatient settings have a beneficial impact on patients' clinical parameters and economic outcomes. [2][3][4] Despite the many beneficial outcomes that are documented, not all institutions establish collaborative agreements between physicians and pharmacists that allow pharmacists autonomy in managing disease states.…”

Why aren't pharmacists included as prescribers in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act?

“…In many clinics, pharmacists work effectively with their physician and nurse colleagues using prescriptive authority as part of collaborative practice agreements. 1 these arrangements can include the prescribing of narcotics and other controlled substances, with positive patient outcomes. the new classes of Practitioners regulations (ncPr) 2 developed by Health canada present podiatrists, midwives and nurse practitioners with the opportunity to provide, administer and prescribe controlled substances within their provincial scopes of practice.…”