Our Pharmacist Carolyn Whiskin recently attended the Ontario Rheumatology Association Meeting as clinical pharmacist specializing in treatments for rheumatic diseases. One of the presentations featured Carol Kennedy from the Health Quality Ontario (HQO) Program. The HQO is the provincial advisor on quality health care in Ontario.
The standards being developed for many diseases to ensure quality and consistency of care across the province where very impressive. Members of “Health Quality Ontario” look at all areas of our healthcare system with an emphasis on the patient experience. Input from caregivers and those working in the healthcare system are vital in creating these standards. Recommendations are made on how to improve care using the best evidence.
Standards have already been developed in many areas including: depression, dementia, opioid use, hip fracture, heavy menstrual bleeding in female adolescents and adults to name a few. Carolyn was able to give input on the the standard for osteoarthritis, which is currently in development.
Visit the Health Quality Ontario website here to learn more, and to give input on this important process.
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.