Pharmacists across the province see their roles expanding in support of quicker patient diagnosis and more immediate treatment. Select pharmacies are offering testing for strep throat and ear infections, along with the ability to prescribe and dispense medications to treat those conditions.
Humboldt’s Shoppers Drug Mart is one of the eleven pharmacies that have been selected for the project. Owner pharmacist Shelby McGillivray says it’s part of an effort to redirect some cases from physicians when it comes to certain ailments that can be quickly tested and treated.
“This is a new scope of practice for pharmacists, and so it’s exciting,” McGillivray says. “It’s an advantage because it helps to relieve some of the pressure on the health care system. We are able to provide relief to some of the physicians and nurses in town because people can come in and we can hopefully provide the service of checking their ears and their throats for infection.”
To aid in the process, the pharmacy has added an Abbott ID machine that allows accurate real time testing for strep throat. McGillivray says the test takes about 20 minutes from start to finish after reviewing criteria to ensure the patient is eligible for testing.
“If the test is positive, we’re able to prescribe on the sport and hopefully eliminate some of that overload at the clinics and ER right now.”
More than 140 pharmacists taking part in this program have been trained to meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals (SCPP) and follow mandatory guidelines.
“We are pleased to launch this project, one of the first in Canada, which allows pharmacists the ability to offer patients greater access to health care services by providing testing and treatment in one visit,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “With this expanded scope of practice, pharmacists can make greater use of their skills and education, directly benefiting Saskatchewan residents.”
In September 2024, the province announced its investment of over $700,000 to expand the ability of pharmacists to offer more care for patients with training that allows them to assess and test for strep throat and ear infections.
“We are pleased to launch this project, one of the first in Canada, which allows pharmacists the ability to offer patients greater access to health care services by providing testing and treatment in one visit,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “With this expanded scope of practice, pharmacists can make greater use of their skills and education, directly benefiting Saskatchewan residents.”
The new testing program is in addition to other diagnostic and dispensing additions that have recently come about. Pharmacists can also assist in treating minor ailments including such things as cold sores, diaper rash, bacterial skin infections and eye infections among others, according to the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan.
It’s as simple as going online to shoppersdrugmart.ca to book a consultation or dropping by the pharmacy to inquire.
Based on the results of an evaluation, the program may be expanded to additional pharmacies in the future.
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