CPhA statement on pharmacist-delivered services and professional autonomy
March 14, 2024
In response to recent media reports, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) would like to express its position on the value of medication reviews and the importance of pharmacists’ autonomy and professional judgment when it comes to health-care delivery.
Medication reviews allow pharmacists to ensure the safety, effectiveness and appropriateness of a patient's medications. They are a valuable service to support proper medication use, identify potential issues, manage chronic diseases and encourage preventive care. Conducting these reviews offers the opportunity to optimize medication use, reduce the number of medications where appropriate and ensure patients are on the right medications—all of which lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life. In our current environment, where many people do not have access to primary care, these services are particularly important.
Services should be delivered based on the individual needs of a patient as determined by a pharmacist’s professional assessment. The right of pharmacists to exercise their judgement and professional autonomy when delivering health-care services is paramount, and their practice environment must enable them to practice autonomously to their full education.
About the Canadian Pharmacists Association
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians.