November/December 2009 - Ontario College of Pharmacists

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on-the-job training Hands-on learning key to c Marc-André Gravel, B.Sc., B.Ed., B.Sc.Phm. Candidate School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo and Certina Ho, B.Sc.Phm., MISt., M.Ed. Project Manager, ISMP Canada Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo S ince the University of Waterloo launched the first Canadian pharmacy co-op program in January 2008, Ontario pharmacists have become increasingly aware of the valuable hands-on opportunities that experiential learning can offer to undergraduate students. Throughout the four years of their pharmacy studies, Waterloo pharmacy students are exposed to a variety of real-life pharmacy experiences during their co-op placements. Students also bring their practical learning back to the classroom to further their knowledge and skills. The patient safety curriculum at the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, introduces students to the Medication Safety Self Assessment ® (MSSA), a tool that will help health care practitioners assess medication safety in their practice setting or pharmacy. The MSSA was originally developed by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in the United States. A Canadian version 16 pharmacyconnection • November/December 2009
ulletin board o-op students of the MSSA tool has been developed by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) and pharmacy students at the School of Pharmacy have received in-class training on how to perform this assessment. The MSSA tool consists of a series of self-assessment items (with multiple choice options) and analyzes medication safety based on 10 key elements, ranging from patient information, drug information, communication of drug orders, to environmental factors, staff and patient education, etc. Completion of the MSSA usually takes two to three hours. However, dividing the MSSA exercise or discussion among staff members into two or three one-hour sessions may be a more feasible option for most pharmacy practice settings. Further information on MSSA for Community/Ambulatory Pharmacy and MSSA for Long Term Care can be found in the November/December 2005 and November/December 2007 issues of Pharmacy Connection or by visiting the ISMP Canada web site at www.ismp-canada.org/mssa.htm. A research initiative entitled “Making Patient Safety Real: An Outcome-Driven Classroom to Co-op and Back Again”, which aims to measure how co-op experiences complement students’ classroom learning (and vice versa), was also brought to the attention of pharmacy students and co-op employers in 2009. One component of this research initiative involves the administration of MSSA in the student’s co-op placement (where drug distribution or direct patient care is available). With the employer’s consent to conduct a MSSA, the pharmacy student works with other staff members at his or her placement, completes the safety assessment, and identifies opportunities for quality improvement and medication safety initiatives. Co-op work terms are great opportunities for University of Waterloo pharmacy students to gain knowledge and skills through real life pharmacy experience. Employers or preceptors offer students valuable experiential learning. At the same time, pharmacy students can contribute to enhancing patient safety in pharmacy practice settings by adopting what they learn. The College would like to extend their best wishes to the following staff as they move on to new adventures outside of the College: Eric Bruce, Decisions Coordinator; Catherine Mc- Cormick, I&R Administrative Assistant; and Sue Rawlinson, Communications Advisor. After nine years with the College, Chris Schillemore has decided to move on to new challenges but will remain connected with the College through project work. Susan James has transitioned into the role of Manager, Registration Programs. Susan has been with the College for the past three years as Project Director responsible for directing the activities of the Pharmacy Technician regulation and will continue to oversee the integration of Pharmacy Technicians within the College. We welcome the following new staff members: Cynthia D’Souza, who was hired on a temporary contract, has recently joined the College on a permanent basis. Cynthia is the Administrative Assistant in the Investigations and Resolutions department. Cynthia’s experience includes over eight years with Apotex Inc. where she held a variety of positions as executive and administrative assistant and most recently as the Coordinator for the Operations and Compliance department. Anjali Baichwal recently joined the College as the Communications Advisor. Anjali spent the last 11 years with the University of Toronto in Communications Management roles in Research, Advancement and Alumni Affairs. Prior to U of T, Anjali held communications roles with the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Anjali has a BA in Political Science and French, as well as a Certificate in French language studies from the University of Paris Sorbonne, France. pharmacyconnection • November/December 2009 17
Page 1 and 2: November/December 2009
Page 3 and 4: contents Electoral Districts & Memb
Page 5 and 6: editor’s message Della Croteau, R
Page 7 and 8: Members District 7, Tracy Wiersema
Page 9 and 10: council report - September 2009 Cou
Page 11 and 12: council report demonstrate their re
Page 13 and 14: council report Educational Grants I
Page 15: quality assurance Quality Assurance
Page 19 and 20: fibrillation. Since the discharge p
Page 21 and 22: health canada advisories & notices
Page 23 and 24: egistration Q&A Susan James Manager
Page 25 and 26: go about your business you hear a s
Page 27 and 28: update on technology Embracing lead
Page 29 and 30: summer student A Summer Student’s
Page 31 and 32: deciding on discipline Case 1 Submi
Page 33 and 34: Designated Manager. The Member has
Page 35 and 36: counsel’s submissions led the Pan
Page 37 and 38: deciding on discipline from the Can
Page 39 and 40: laws & regulations Drug and Pharmac

November/December 2009 - Ontario College of Pharmacists

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