On September 13, Neighbourhood Pharmacies brought together over 30 pharmacy leaders representing all areas of pharmacy business and practice to demystify and explore the breadth and depth of specialty pharmacy. Participants were treated to a snapshot summary of the significance of the specialty pharmaceutical market in Canada, and an overview of some of the key clinical and care navigation services involved in caring for patients on these medications. For a deeper dive, panel members from Bioscript Solutions, Sobeys Pharmacy and Innomar Strategies answered questions about the realities of delivering these services, including challenges, considerations and rewards. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the considerations (e.g., investment in time, infrastructure, staff training and financial liability) and collaboration required to optimally provide care when the stakes are really high for the patient, the provider and the pharmacy.
This is the first of a series of activities designed to continue to bring the sector together to understand the complex pharmacy services needs of patients taking specialty medications, with the ultimate goal of educating policy makers of the value pharmacy brings to the healthcare system in this space. Want to learn more? Make sure you attend our Specialty Pharmacy Summit November 7-8 in Toronto.