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Pharmacists can help control chronic diseases that account for 70 per cent of deaths in the country
Report indicates that doctors and individuals agree that pharmacists can play a greater ro...
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[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n\nReport indicates that doctors and individuals agree that pharmacists can\n play a greater role managing our health\n\n\n\n\n\nMONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The increasing prevalence of complex\n chronic diseases is one of the most important health issues facing\n Canadians, making prevention and management a key priority for our\n governments.  According to the report entitled Sustainable Solutions Report: A Focus on Managing Complex Chronic\n Diseases, expanding the role of pharmacists is one solution that will reduce the\n burden of chronic illness on patients, and save the system an\n estimated $1.4 to $1.9 billion dollars over three years. The report\n also includes survey data showing support from physicians and patients\n who want pharmacists to play a bigger role in health care delivery.\n\n\n\"Pharmacists already provide advice to patients that take medication to\n treat chronic conditions, but they can do so much more,\" says Denis\n Roy, Senior Director Professional Affairs at Pharmaprix. \"Governments\n have identified chronic disease as an immense challenge and they are\n investing significant dollars in prevention and treatment of these\n illnesses; using pharmacists more effectively can help achieve the goal\n of improving care for Quebecers and Canadians, while at the same time reducing costs and creating more access to the health care system.\"\n\n\nComplex chronic diseases, like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes,\n cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affect 37 per\n cent of Canadians and are a factor in 70 per cent of deaths. In Quebec,\n a little over half of the population over the age of 12 suffers from at\n least one chronic disease. Some risk factors for chronic diseases like\n age and genetics can't be helped, while others are controllable like\n diet, exercise, or tobacco use.  In 2011, the associated medical costs\n for individuals with these complex chronic diseases were estimated\n at $42 billion, or 21 per cent of total health care spending. This\n figure is expected to rise to $53 billion by 2015. These rising costs\n are unsustainable and solutions are needed now.\n\n\nHow Pharmacists Can Make A Difference\nThe Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart Sustainable Solutions Report includes a set of three practica...