Pharmacists Warn Business Pressures Are Endangering Public Safety
A recent survey reveals alarming concerns from pharmacists about how business pressures are affecting patient care. According to the report by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, 50% of pharmacists working in corporate or franchise pharmacies feel pressured to meet business targets, and 31% say this compromises patient safety.
The report highlights that public safety is “at risk” due to pharmacy practices that focus on cost-cutting and performance metrics. These pressures were present in every type of pharmacy, the report found, but were much more common in corporate and franchise pharmacies than in independent ones.
The survey was done in April and answered by 2,199 registrants. More than 85% of those were pharmacists, and of those, 59% worked at corporate pharmacies or franchises. Nearly a quarter of all respondents worked at Shoppers Drug Mart. These findings mirror other recent surveys, such as one in Ontario where 70% of pharmacists said they were pressured to meet quotas
Pharmacists working in corporate and franchise pharmacies described being pushed to meet a variety of targets, including prescription adaptations, immunizations, and professional services. By contrast, only 24% of those working in independent pharmacies reported experiencing similar pressures. Moreover, 23% of corporate pharmacy workers said that patient safety was directly impacted by understaffing. Nearly a third of all respondents reported that business pressures had led to patient harm, with common issues including incorrect dosages or dispensing the wrong medication.
Pharmacists expressed frustration with a system that left them feeling overwhelmed and led to mistakes that could harm patients. “One pharmacist cannot simultaneously check prescriptions, give injections, complete medication reviews, handle adaptations, complete minor ailments, answer phones, speak to physicians, answer customer questions, provide over the counter and prescription counselling, assist pharmacy technicians, send faxes and more,” while ensuring patient safety, one respondent said.
In contrast, at Centrum Pharmacy, a family-run business serving the Orleans community for over 25 years, we take a different approach. With a focus on staffing adequately, Centrum Pharmacy ensures that pharmacists have the time to carefully review patients’ full medication profiles and answer questions, prioritizing patient health above all else.
“We know you come to us because you’re not feeling well, and we want to get you home as quickly as possible,” says a representative from Centrum Pharmacy. “We focus on getting your prescriptions ready promptly without making you wait unnecessarily pushing you to purchase other sales.”
“Having adequate staffing also allows us to take the appropriate amount of time to review not just your current prescription, but also your entire profile to ensure that your therapy is optimised. And that your pharmacist has the time to properly explain the usage and side effects of your medications and to be able to answer your questions”.
Centrum Pharmacy emphasizes patient care over profit, with a commitment to making sure prescriptions are filled safely and efficiently. For those seeking a pharmacy experience centered around health and safety, we urge you to Transfer your prescriptions to us and experience pharmacy services centered around you.
Your health and your safety are always our top priorities at Centrum Pharmacy.
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