N.S. pharmacists see spike in harassment
Their line of defence is a desk, and most pharmacists will tell you, they want to keep it that way.
But more than 50 per cent of them in Nova Scotia said they’ve experienced harassment in the last 12 months while on the job, according to the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.
Much of it comes from patients.
New Brunswick pharmacist Alistair Bursey believes it’s a nationwide problem.
“Pharmacists are being harassed, verbally abused, getting a lot of stress on them because they are the most accessible health-care professional. You can walk and talk to a pharmacist anywhere,” he said.
He says there could be multiple reasons behind the increase in anger.
The first: drug shortages have “exploded” in Canada, which can mean trying to find patients alternatives that may not be as effective, or trying to ensure a different brand is also covered under a patients’ insurance.
“I mean, we just found out last week that carbamazepine was going to be going short. This is an anti-seizure med critical in Canada. I mean, this isn't like, you know, heartburn med, which you can switch over. This is carbamazepine. And that's going short in the country,” he said. “I mean, sometimes you sit here and you say to yourself, like, Canada is a very advanced country and we're having critical meds go short and there doesn't seem to be much of a strategy to deal with it.”
Bursey says the country should be considering a strategy similar to Europe’s, where having a one-year supply of critical medication is standard.
And then there’s the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“I think that's a large part of it. I've seen so many patients upset, frustrated. They can't get their medicine. They can only get 30 days of medicine. It's increasing their costs. They're on a fixed budget,” he said. “I mean, it's just like a snowball going down the hill. It just goes and builds up more pressure on patients.”
The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia has developed a “KindRX” campaign that includes a patient code of conduct and promotional material to encourage people to be kind to their pharmacist.
Kindness is key, says pharmacist Anne Marie Picone.
Interim executive director of the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association, Picone says she also believes the profession is simply seeing more people turning to them for help in the absence of primary care.
“I always say everyone on medication does not have a doctor, but everyone on medication has a pharmacist,” she said. “So if you think about that, you know, there's a lot of people out there that are coming into the pharmacies needing and wanting and requesting help. We're there for them. But they also have to be patient.”
Six pharmacy care clinics opened last year in New Brunswick, treating patients with strep throat or chronic disease like diabetes. Nova Scotia launched similar clinics over a year ago, expanding to 25 pharmacy locations.
Both Bursey and Picone say they’ve been extremely successful in New Brunswick and should be expanded once the province reviews their success.
Picone believes if more people can access care, the temperature might come down a bit.
“So this has been you know, certainly very helpful to be able to have that. But at the same time it is really unfortunate that our pharmacy professionals are having to deal with harassment at their workplace from patients,” said Picone.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.