Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Pharmacists Association release e-prescribing joint statement

OTTAWA, May 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) have approved a joint statement on the future of e-prescribing that aims to have all prescriptions for Canadians created, signed and transmitted electronically by 2015.

The joint statement identifies the core principles that must be captured in a pan-Canadian system of e-prescribing, as well as its potential benefits and challenges.

"Canada's pharmacists and physicians have set forth a bold vision for the future of e-prescribing in Canada," said Dr. Anna Reid, CMA president. "However, now that bold vision must be matched with bold action to advance e-prescribing for the benefit of patients."

The CMA and CPhA developed the joint statement as a first step in bringing partners together to develop a strategy and action plan. The two associations recognize that, while achieving full e-prescribing functionality by 2015 will not necessarily be an easy vision to achieve, the benefits to patients, health care providers, and the overall health system are undeniable and well worth the effort.

"Pharmacists and physicians can play a stronger role in improving patient safety and efficacy associated with medications, but we need the proper tools with which to do it," stated Paula MacNeil, CPhA president. "We hope this statement will inspire all stakeholders to work collaboratively in order to ensure that e-prescribing becomes a reality by 2015."

The statement also contains a five-point plan to move Canada toward the goal of e-prescribing by 2015. This includes the need for:

• provinces and Canada Health Infoway to complete the electronic connectivity requirements among points of care;
• pharmacist and physician organizations to promote the health-related benefits of e-prescribing to health care providers; and
• provinces, territories and regulatory bodies to put in place regulatory frameworks to facilitate and govern the use of e-prescribing by clinicians.

A full copy of the joint statement can be found at www.cma.ca or www.pharmacists.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Jeff Morrison
Canadian Pharmacists Association
613-523-7877, x386
[email protected]

Lucie Boileau
Canadian Medical Association
613-7318610 x1266
[email protected]