Due to the fires and resulting evacuations taking place right now in High Level and surrounding area, many individuals may be seeking temporary pharmacy services from other Alberta pharmacies.
In communities receiving High Level residents, this could lead to an increased workload for pharmacy teams. ACP understands and appreciates your efforts to help your colleagues and their patients during this difficult time.
As a reminder, when providing care for a temporarily displaced patient, please remember the following:
- Check Netcare to confirm the patient’s health history and determine appropriateness.
- Follow the standards for prescribing in an emergency (Standard 13). Specifically, the pharmacist must
- personally see and assess the patient,
- obtain sufficient information about the patient’s health status and disease or condition to make the decision to prescribe,
- assess whether the prescription will cause a drug-related problem,
- be satisfied that the prescription will not place the patient at increased risk, and
- follow up and appropriately monitor the response to the drug prescribed.
- As the duration of the recovery is unknown, consider providing patients an amount of medication up to the amount of their last dispensed event. This, of course, must be based on your assessment of the patient.
- Communicate your actions back to the patient’s other health care providers as soon as possible.
Evacuations due to natural disasters such as wildfires can be an emotional and stressful time for all those involved, from evacuees to emergency workers to volunteers. We understand the challenges that come with looking after new patients with limited information, and the toll that an increased workload can have on your physical and emotional energy. In addition to caring for patients, remember to look after yourself and those working with you.
Thanks to all those who are stepping up for their fellow Albertans.
