The Patient Relations Program (the “Program”) at the College is designed to enhance the relations between pharmacists and their patients. The Program is a requirement under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). Although the main function of the Program is to implement measures for preventing and dealing with sexual abuse of patients, patient relations activities permeate all program areas of the College. The Patient Relations Committee is also a legislated requirement under the RHPA; its primary ongoing responsibilities are to monitor the Program and administer the Victim Compensation Fund. However, it is generally committed to the enrichment of communications between pharmacists and patients, with a view to continually improve the quality of the provision of pharmaceutical care. The College uses a three-pronged approach designed to reach:
- Members;
- the public; and
- College Council and staff
The College seizes opportunities to educate its members on sexual abuse prevention matters and appropriate communication with patients, at every level of member regulation. The Program for members includes establishing educational requirements, guidelines and standards, quality assurance initiatives, remediation programs and communication strategies.
Public
Communication and information outreach towards the public is a vital aspect of the implementation of the Program. The College continues to be active in ensuring openness and transparency to the public about its programs, and in providing to the public information about pharmaceutical services and about the values and contributions of the pharmacy profession.
Council and Staff
Leadership by example is key to effective pharmacist-patient relationships. Seeing this as a priority, the College, as the regulator, trains its Council and staff on the importance of effective and respectful communication, to ensure that the public and members of the profession alike can access the College and obtain information and guidance so that the public can receive care needed and that members practice in the public interest.
Contacting the College:
Members of the public interested in complimenting or complaining about a member of the College should contact Patti Clayton at 416-847-8272 or pclayton@ocpinfo.com