MD Analytics releases early results from annual Pharmacists Prescribing report

Health industry marketing research leader MD Analytics® released early results today from its annual Insight Syndication Report: Pharmacists Prescribing.

The pharmacy practice continues to change as prescribing authorization shifts further in favor of pharmacists across Canada. Pharmacists in BC and Alberta are still exercising a high level of prescribing freedom, those in New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador are enjoying their new prescribing rights, and Ontario and Saskatchewan are awaiting recently passed legislation to take effect.

Our recent study on prescribing rights of pharmacists in six provinces (BC, AB, SK, ON, NB, NL) reveals opportunities in the market through the analysis of past and anticipated behavior, attitudes, and needs of pharmacists across the country.

There is an expressed need by pharmacists for increased support in multiple areas that vary by province. This is clearly displayed when comparing the two provinces waiting for prescribing rights to come into effect, Ontario and Saskatchewan.  If authorization took effect tomorrow, pharmacists in Saskatchewan would be ready to go, as the majority have already completed the necessary requirements. This is not the case in Ontario however, where most pharmacists have not yet completed any authorization requirements. This is not due to lack of interest, but lack of availability as the requirements will be part of regulations that have not yet been written. Interest in Ontario is extremely high, as nearly all pharmacists indicate that they plan to complete authorization requirements in the next two years. Despite this interest, Ontario pharmacists do not feel as informed and consequently, do not seem as prepared for the transition.

http://www.mdanalytics.ca/pharmacists-rx-news

Each province is in a slightly different stage and magnitude of prescribing authority, and therefore pharmacists in each province have different behavior and reasons behind it. This study digs into the details of pharmacist's prescribing behavior and the extent of their expanding activities. Analysis of this data represents a roadmap for pharmaceutical companies to follow in order to best capitalize on the opportunities presented during this transition.