What comes to mind when you think of a pharmacist at work? You're probably imagining someone in a white lab coat standing behind a counter, handing you your medication and giving you expert advice. In many cases, this is still the reality.
Yet, the role of pharmacists has changed considerably in recent years. It has been expanded to encompass a clinical dimension, and today the profession is practised in a variety of environments and fields, from hospitals to research to health technologies.
At Vigilance Santé, a team of some 20 pharmacists have been leveraging their expertise to develop clinical solutions for front-line care teams in Canada for almost 30 years.
That's why, this Pharmacy Appreciation Month, we want to shine a spotlight on this still little-known profession and highlight its essential contribution not only to health care, but also to our company's mission.
Pharmacists' responsibilities in Canada were initially restricted to the management of pharmaceutical treatments and typically fell into one of three categories:
In the late 1990s, pharmacy began a major transformation that repositioned pharmacists as key players in the health care system. In 1997, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) published the first Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice, formalizing a shift towards greater autonomy and responsibility.
Over time, several Canadian provinces have expanded the mandate of pharmacists' activities to include:
At the same time, as pharmacotherapy expertise has become increasingly valued, it has become an essential part of various sectors:
The model that recognizes pharmacists as health care professionals in their own right looks like it's on track to become permanent. The future of this profession hinges on three major trends that are already reshaping its landscape:
As you've probably guessed by now, pharmacy graduates are no longer destined to work behind a counter or in a hospital setting. At Vigilance Santé, they bring their expertise to bear in the service of innovation, occupying roles at the intersection of pharmacotherapy and technology.
Below is an overview of these unique roles, which contribute to the development of cutting-edge Canadian solutions adapted to the needs of first-line care teams.
The VP of products ensures that all of the company's current products and innovations meet the needs of our customer base and are aligned with our short- and long-term goals. They work hand-in-hand with the teams to develop a clear, cohesive vision and maximize product synergy, while taking into account market trends and strategic priorities.
In addition to helping determine the strategy for their product, product directors coordinate their department's activities to ensure that strategy is implemented, whether through continuous improvements or major innovations. Other responsibilities include managing resources, the budget, and team performance, as well as overseeing product development and evolution.
Product owners are responsible for bridging the gap between users, management, and technical teams and transforming needs into concrete solutions. They uphold the product vision, set priorities, and plan developments to optimize the added value for the people who use the product. They also monitor the overall quality of the product and its evolution to meet market expectations.
Data modellers structure medication data in order to meet the needs of users and of technological solutions that rely on this data. They ensure that data is continuously updated and collaborate with the technical teams to develop management tools that ensure data integrity.
Clinical analysts conduct in-depth research and update clinical information to ensure efficient access to data crucial to front-line decision-making regarding medication. As experts in their field, they are responsible for keeping abreast of clinical developments and proposing product improvements to offer relevant and customized solutions.
In addition to their clinical role, clinical and functional analysts are involved in the development of product functionalities. They work directly with the technical teams to develop solutions tailored to the real needs of end users.
In addition to the clinical tasks described above, quality managers ensure compliance with quality standards, identify problems, and propose solutions to optimize clinical content management processes.
The product marketing and professional services team lead acts as an expert and liaison between the product teams and the sales and marketing teams. They introduce customers to our products at events and meetings, then share customers' feedback with Vigilance Santé to guide strategic decisions and ensure that products evolve in line with user needs. They ensure the quality of training and documentation, guaranteeing an optimal experience for users and partners alike.
This article has highlighted an undeniable reality: Pharmacy practice is no longer limited to dispensing drugs. Thanks to an expanded clinical mandate and a growing presence in a variety of settings, pharmacists have become an essential pillar of the health care system.
Whether on the front lines of patient care or in research, industry, or health technology, they play a key role in improving the quality of care and accessibility of treatments.
This Pharmacy Appreciation Month, let's celebrate the evolution of a profession that's shaping the future of health care. Behind every innovation, every optimized treatment, and every new digital solution, there are pharmacists reinventing their profession.
We salute their unwavering commitment to the health of all of us.
This article was written with the generous support of Martine Gagné, Vice-President Products | Pharmacist