Author: Chris Folkins, Laurence Lambert-Côté, Priya Bhakat, Mallory Murphy, Chandy Somayaji, Linyun Shen, Timipere Allison, Haylie Simmons, Debbie Peters, Ted McDonald
Year: 2025
Category:
Health Publications
New Brunswick’s healthcare system faces challenges such as limited access, workforce shortages, and an aging population, which place pressure on existing services. In response, the Pharmacist Care Clinic pilot program was introduced in 2023 as a collaboration between the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists, the Department of Health, and the New Brunswick Pharmacists’ Association. The program expanded pharmacists' roles to include point-of-care screening, prescribing for Group A Strep, and medication management for chronic diseases. Operating in six pharmacies across the province, the initiative aimed to assess whether an expanded role for pharmacists could improve healthcare accessibility.
This report evaluates the pilot’s implementation, clinic operations, services provided, and client experiences. Over 10,000 appointments were conducted, with clients most commonly seeking prescription renewals, chronic disease management, and treatment for minor ailments. Surveyed participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the care received, with many indicating that the clinic provided timely access to services. The findings suggest that pharmacy clinics were used by both individuals with and without a primary care provider, and that pharmacists delivered a range of services, including prescribing, therapy adjustments, and referrals. These results provide insight into the utilization and impact of pharmacist-led care in New Brunswick’s healthcare system.
