Software that allows pharmacists to write in the patient record hailed as 'game changer'

Here is an ACCESS to health information success story.

The publication starts “New computer software that allows a community pharmacist to write in the patient record and see a full history of medication, diagnostic and test results.” This is in England. This could and should be a headline in Canada.

The reality of most community pharmacists in Canada is a lack of access to the patient’s past medical history and labs. While it is a pharmacist’s responsibility to validate the safety and therapeutic appropriateness of each prescription, it has been challenging without access to this critical information. Pharmacists can be wholesome team players once we have access to this information and increase the safety of medication therapy for Canadians.

See the article here

I know some jurisdictions in Canada have authorized community pharmacists to have health records viewing. Have any allowed the community pharmacist to actively contribute by documenting in the record?

Would love to hear the experience of our clinicians, in any sector, sharing how having access or lack of access to a patient's health information (including medications) impacted the way care was delivered.

Please share with the group.

Lisa
ISMP Canada