b"MEDICATION MANAGEMENTPharmacy's evolving role in long-term careReducing medication risks, improving workflows and helping to free up capacity By Travis Featherstone,Chief Clinical Officer, CareRxPhoto courtesy of Bret Teskey, Modern Imagery Photography StudioS upporting residents in long-termessential, the need and role hasongoing collaboration and hands-care with complex health needsexpanded well beyond that. Today,on support from professionals who is nothing new. From managinglong-term care pharmacists collaborateunderstand how medications interact multiple chronic conditions todirectly with nurses, physicians andand how they affect the whole person.addressing cognitive changes, mobilitypersonal support workers/aides to limitations and extensive medicationimprove coordinated medication safetyPharmacists step in at key points: regimens, long-term care teams havesystems and actively contribute to thereviewing medications during always balanced a high level of multidisciplinary team for resident- health system transitions, identifying clinical responsibility. focused care.opportunities to simplify or deprescribe, and helping to reduce What is changing is the scaleandAs a licensed pharmacist and Chiefrisks that come with polypharmacy. the expectations. Canadians are livingClinical Officer at CareRx, I lead aBut our contributions go beyond longer, and according to the Canadiannational team of seniors-focusedmedication reconciliation andInstitute for Health Informationclinical consultant pharmacists whoreviews. We are now helping with (CIHI), over 80% of older adultsare helping bring this expandedfalls and fracture prevention, infusion have at least one chronic condition,role to life in long-term care homestherapy, appropriate psychotropicwith nearly half taking four or moreacross the country. Our workuse, antimicrobial stewardship andprescription medications. The numbersfocuses on strengthening medicationeven specialized programs likeare even higher in long-term care,management oversight, streamliningspasticity management.where residents typically take morecare coordination and easing some medications and have more complexof the day-to-day pressures onThese clinical services are supported health needs. frontline teams as part of a safer, moreby standardized dispensing practices sustainable care model. and smart digital tools. Real-time As expectations shift, there is a strongeralerts, shared systems and streamlined emphasis on safer, more consistentClinical guidance and workflows help teams flag issues care, particularly around medicationsupport for care teamsearly and reduce time spent on management and clinical coordination.In long-term care, managingadministrative tasks. When paired with This is where long-term care specialtymedications is part of daily life. Manya pharmacists clinical judgment, this pharmacy is supporting care providersresidents often take 10 or moreresults in safer care, clearer decision-with a more integrated, proactive role. medications each day to managemaking, and more support for both multiple medical conditions suchresidents and onsite care teams.Pharmacists as clinical partnersas cardiovascular disease, diabetes, in long-term care immune or musculoskeletal disorders,Putting pharmacy expertisePharmacists are becoming a morefrailty and dementia. to work visible and active part of long-termCareRx serves thousands of long-term care teams. While reviewing andSupporting that complexity requirescare residents nationwide and partners dispensing medications remainsmore than accurate dispensing. It takeswith care teams to test and refine 38 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2025"