The UBC Pharmacists Clinic: A catalyst for practice change

Barbara Gobis, BSc(Pharm), ACPR, MScPhm, RPh; Larry Leung, BSc(Pharm), RPh; Jason Min, BSc(Pharm), RPh; Rosanne Thalakada, BSc(Hons), BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, RPh; Jillian Reardon, BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, RPh; Peter J. Zed, BSc, BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, FCSHP The UBC Pharmacists Clinic (the Clinic) is Canadas rst university-affiliated, licensed, pharmacist-led patient care clinic. Located at the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vancouver Campus, the Clinic was established to 1) model patient care best practices; 2) provide education for student and pharmacist learners; and 3) enable practice innovation and research. Although the Clinic meets community pharmacy licensing requirements, it operates like a medical office where patients are seen by appointment in a dedicated clinic space with 5 consultation rooms, meeting rooms and a reception area. The Clinic highlights the contributions pharmacists make to patient care and is a living laboratory to support primary care practice change within the profession. As a teaching site, the Clinic involves learners in all activities under the appropriate supervision of pharmacist mentors, preceptors and administrative personnel. Learners from 4 educational programs (Entry-to-practice, Community Pharmacy Residency, Pharmacy Practice Residency and Graduate PharmD) participate in experiential education at the Clinic. Additionally, students participate as clinical assistants in various patient-care initiatives at the Clinic and around campus to help them develop their practical skills. The Clinic team has established collaborative partnerships with UBC Counselling Services, UBC Headache Clinic, UBC Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, UBC Movement Disorders Clinic, UBC Oral Health Centre, several remote First Nations communities and a number of family physician practices. These partnerships give students access to unique interdisciplinary and clinical learning experiences.