Pharmacists in the province will have expanded resources to test patients.
The Saskatchewan government announced on Wednesday that a group of pharmacists will be provided training to test for strep throat and ear infections.
A new kind of training, a first in Canada will allow pharmacists to perform rapid testing for strep throat. A lab sample is collected and tested on site, with results available about in ten minutes. Pharmacists would be able to prescribe and dispense medication if needed.
Ear infections only require a physical assessment.
“Pharmacists are important members of our health care team, and this expansion allows them to make greater use of their education and skill set to benefit Saskatchewan patients,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a release. “This innovative approach provides patients with improved access to health care services by offering diagnosis and treatment in one visit.
Pharmacists will be required to take the training and meet competency requirements as established by the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals and follow mandatory guidelines.
Ten pharmacies will be selected to take part in a pilot project to conduct rapid testing for strep throat and assessments for ear infections, while another 50 sites will be chosen to offer ear infection assessments only.
There are about 1,250 practicing pharmacists in over 425 licensed community pharmacies in Saskatchewan.