Canadians Turning to Pharmacies for More Health Care

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -03/04/12)- With Pharmacy Awareness Week(1) kicking off, a new Nielsen survey commissioned by the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) highlights that patients from coast to coast are tapping into the health-care knowledge, expertise and services available at their local pharmacy. In fact, 72% of almost 6,000 respondents indicated that they have talked to their pharmacist about health issues, beyond their prescribed medication.(2)

"Pharmacists are highly trained health-care professionals whose expertise is still under-utilized by our health-care system in Canada, and indeed around the world. That's all starting to change," explains Nadine Saby, CACDS President and Chief Executive Officer. "Governments recognize the valuable role pharmacy plays in ensuring patients get the right medication and are able to take it correctly. Now, by enabling and providing funding for new services like medication reviews, injections and immunizations, and prescription renewals without a doctor's visit, patients are reaping the benefits in more convenient and timely access to professional health advice and guidance," says Saby.

It's no longer enough for a pharmacy to be a place where medication and advice are dispensed - 96% of respondents surveyed believe that it's important for their pharmacist to play an increased role and work closely with their doctor to optimize care.

What Canadians Are Talking to Pharmacists About

Of the 72% of survey respondents who said that they have talked to a pharmacist about one or more health-care issues other than filling a prescription, the most common subject was the treatment of minor ailments (41%) - like mild burns or insect bites. Advice on vitamins and supplements (26%) and dealing with adverse medication reactions (24%) were also commonly discussed.

Regionally, in Atlantic Canada - where Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have the nation's lowest per capita ratio of family physicians - patients are the most likely to turn to their pharmacist for advice on minor ailments (47%). Quebec patients lead the way in seeking information on adverse medication reactions (33%).

When it comes to managing diabetes, Canadians say they are taking some advantage of their pharmacy as an authoritative, accessible and convenient source of care. However, given the known burden of diabetes on patients, their families, the health-care system and the Canadian economy overall, it is surprising that only nine percent of respondents reported talking to their pharmacist about managing the disease.

Considerations When Choosing a Pharmacy

What are the most important considerations for Canadians when choosing a pharmacy? Pointing once again to the expectation among consumers that pharmacy should play a more integral part in their health care, the most common consideration for choosing a pharmacy is 'trust in the pharmacy staff's knowledge and advice' (48%). Location (42%) - being conveniently able to access quality care - was the second most common reason cited.

The top five considerations for Canadians choosing a pharmacy are:

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Canadians Turning to Pharmacies for More Health Care