Our pharmacists Carolyn Whiskin and Janice Maretzki recently attended the Canadian Rheumatology Association meeting in Montreal. Charlton Health was very proud to have been selected to present our practice research project at this meeting. A large poster outlining the project is on display in our Hamilton office.
The objective of the project was to improve patient confidence and understanding of their disease and treatment through a pharmacist led consultation prior to initiation and choice of treatment of an advanced therapy such as a biologic. Patients were toured through our infusion clinic, shown all the self injection devices and were educated on the newest oral therapies. In addition, vaccines were updated, insurance status evaluated and smoking cessation counselling offered. The patients were then asked which treatments they would feel most comfortable taking. A report was then sent to their referring physician.
The results of this project were that patients understanding of their disease increased by 33% and understanding of their treatment increased by 187%. On a scale of 1-4, confidence and understanding of their treatment increased from an average score of 1.66 to 3.88 after the visit with the pharmacist.
A second phase of this project is now underway.
Highlights of this conference will shared in future blogs… stay tuned for more!
Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.