U of S College of Pharmacy and Nutrition launches new Medication Assessment Centre

The centre is one of only two programs of its kind in Canada. The medication assessment services provided by the college's faculty and staff are available to anyone who takes five or more medications, experiences drug-related side effects, has trouble remembering to take their medication or takes them incorrectly, has chronic conditions, or simply has questions about taking multiple drugs.

The launch of the centre addresses the need for pharmacy students in Saskatchewan to have more opportunity to learn in an authentic clinical environment. In the centre, students will have interactions with real patients in a controlled, supervised environment, where faculty can evaluate students and provide feedback for improvement. By participating in real patient interactions early and often in their undergraduate training at the college, students will be better prepared to quickly integrate into the health system upon graduation. Practicing pharmacists can also refine their medication assessment skills by participating in the centre's services.

"The Medication Assessment Centre is a welcome addition to the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition," said Dean David Hill. "The vision for pharmacy is optimal drug therapy outcomes for Canadians through patient-centred care and the centre provides an additional platform for our students to learn how to best provide care for their patients."

Derek Jorgenson, associate professor at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and director of the
Medication Assessment Centre said the centre will be a key tool for collaboration between members of the health care team. "As a practicing pharmacist, I see the value that a service like this will bring not only to patients, but to other health-care practitioners as well. The centre will be a great resource for any practitioner who is trying to optimize their patients' drug therapy."

Current patients can be referred to the Medication Assessment Centre for an assessment by their health-care providers (family doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physiotherapists, etc.) or anyone interested in having an assessment done can call 306-966-6392.

The centre is located in the Health Sciences building at 107 Wiggins Road.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Heather Dawson

Communications Officer

306.966.2502

306.221.0129

heather.dawson@usask.ca