Allowing Ontario pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments could save the province $42 million a year, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Waterloo.
The study used mathematical modelling to examine the economic impact of implementing a compensated program for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments in the province.
Minor ailments are considered health conditions that can typically be self-diagnosed by patients-such as urinary tract infections and athlete's foot-and can be managed with minimal treatment or straightforward self-care strategies.
"Globally, health-care systems are experiencing an increased demand for services because of the pandemic," said Wasem Alsabbagh, a professor at the School of Pharmacy and lead author of the study. "Now, more than ever, we require financially responsible, efficient approaches to health-care service delivery. Minor ailments prescribing by pharmacists is an example of this."
