Ranking of Curricular Content by Pharmacy Students and Community Pharmacists

Strategizing the removal of barriers to community pharmacist's business management capabilities

The community pharmacist may be challenged by their dual role of being both a health care provider and practice manager. This commentary proposes strategies to address the barriers to the management role of the community pharmacist in practice as perceived by stakeholders: pharmacist owners, pharmacist managers, pharmacists, and pharmacy students. Whilst some community pharmacist owners may believe managerial skills are not required for the profession, all stakeholders for the most part agree on the barriers to the management role of the community pharmacist in practice and the strategies to address these barriers. Three barriers were identified: business versus professional dichotomy, transitioning theoretical learned content into a practice setting, and professional overload. Three strategies are proposed to overcome these barriers: developing a dual thinking process, learning practice management from mentors, and the philosophy of becoming a leader and the team builder. A paradigm shift within the current culture in the profession may be required to overcome the barriers. This commentary also highlights the need to explore leadership in community pharmacy.

Self-care and minor ailments: The view from Canada

This manuscript offers a glimpse into the Canadian healthcare system, emphasizing the prevalence and management of minor ailments through self-care practices. The first section outlines the strengths and challenges of the healthcare system, including access issues and escalating costs. The second section explores self-care in Canada, outlines the Self-Care Readiness Index, and Canadians' proactive management of common conditions through self-care activities, including the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Consumer behaviors, preferences, and the thriving OTC market are discussed. It also discusses existing programs and initiatives encouraging self-care. While lacking a coordinated national strategy, various organizations, including Health Canada, have taken steps to regulate and promote self-care products. The role of pharmacies, industry groups, and public health campaigns in fostering self-care is explored, along with public access to OTC medicines, Rx-to-OTC switching, and consumer expectations related to such medicines. Factors influencing self-care and self-medication are explored, focusing on access to medical care, public perceptions of OTC medicines, and the public's ability to engage in appropriate actions. The crucial role of pharmacists in minor ailment care is examined. Insights are provided into Canada's healthcare landscape, emphasizing the significance of self-care in managing minor ailments. The public has access to many resources on how to engage in self-care and deal with minor ailments, but a formal system to promote them is lacking. The findings prompt considerations for future healthcare policies and public health campaigns, highlighting the evolving nature of healthcare practices in the nation.