Beyond Prescriptions: National Survey Reveals Four-in-five Canadians think pharmacists can help improve their health - but many unaware how(1)

Pfizer launches Leaders in Pharmacy initiative to support the evolving role of pharmacists in Canadian healthcare, foster excellence in pharmacist leadership

KIRKLAND, QC, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - A new Canadian survey reveals that while the vast majority of Canadians trust their pharmacist and see them as valued partners in their healthcare, many are not aware of the rapidly expanding roster of healthcare services pharmacists can provide.

In response to the growing importance of pharmacies in self-care - and the need to increase awareness of this changing scope of pharmacy practice - GenMed, a division of Pfizer Canada, along with Fulcrum Media, has created Leaders in Pharmacy, a first-of-its-kind initiative, to further advance pharmacy and support these trusted professionals.

With a focus on women in its first year, Leaders in Pharmacy will bring together 13 leaders in pharmacy from across the country, at a round table meeting in Vancouver on November 29. Each pharmacy leader has identified a mentee whom she will help support. This mentorship will help to foster their growth as the role of pharmacy expands in Canada.

"The future for pharmacists in Canada is bright. To further grow and learn as a profession, it is important to come together and discuss challenges and opportunities," says Jeannette Wang, Senior Vice-President, Professional Affairs and Services, Shoppers Drug Mart. "I am looking forward to participating in the Leaders in Pharmacy initiative. It recognizes pharmacists have an important role to play in delivering front-line healthcare to Canadians."

Survey: Pharmacists Highly Trusted, but not Always a First Port of Call
The survey finds 78 per cent of Canadians see their pharmacist as a trusted partner in their healthcare, but surprisingly only forty-six per cent say their pharmacist would be the first healthcare professional they would call or see for common health issues.¹ Ninety-two per cent of Canadians trust their pharmacist, ¹ and a large majority of respondents (84%) agree that their pharmacist can help improve their health beyond just filling prescriptions.¹

Canadians trust their pharmacists, and close to half (43%) know their pharmacist by name.¹  And while not all pharmacy services are available in every province, many of those surveyed did not know, or were unsure of whether or not they could speak with their pharmacist about the following health matters:

• Smoking cessation options - 48 per cent¹
• Flu shot - 43 per cent¹
• Renewing or extending prescriptions - 30 per cent¹
• Learning the difference between all over-the-counter medicine options - 21 per cent¹

"We recognize the growing and increasingly important role of pharmacists in improving patient health, and are excited to launch the Leaders in Pharmacy initiative," says Rania Cassar-Awe, Director, Retail Strategy, Pfizer Canada. "Each of these women is experienced, committed, and collaborative - which is just what a changing pharmacy industry in Canada needs."

Leaders in Pharmacy: Looking to the Future of Healthcare
Both national and provincial association boards have a higher representation of women than ever before.² These women have played an important role in influencing everything from practice change to policy. Furthermore, 70 to 80 per cent of new pharmacy graduates are women, indicating that women will continue to play a key role going forward.³

Fulcrum, a 360 media company, will publish a series of features on the Leaders in Pharmacy initiative in its industry leading print and digital media, Pharmacy Business Magazine and PharmacyU.ca throughout 2014.

About Pfizer in Canada
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships, to our belief that it takes more than medication to be truly healthy. To learn more about Pfizer's More than Medication philosophy and programs, visit www.morethanmedication.ca. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit www.pfizer.ca.

About GenMed in Canada
GenMed®, a division of Pfizer Canada, provides a balance of experience and innovation. A Canadian-based supplier of quality generic medicines within one of the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies, GenMed is committed to conducting business with integrity and the highest ethical standards. With the delivery of multi-source products and resources adapted to meet the demands on your business, partnering with us can help you remain competitive within an ever-changing Canadian healthcare landscape.

About Fulcrum Media
Founded in 1996, Fulcrum Media is a leading 360 media company engaging retailer and consumer communities, and Fortune 500 brands with best-in-class publications, live shows and data driven performance programs. Our world-class properties actively engage highly targeted audiences in the pharmacy, food and beverage, convenience and petroleum, and foodservice industries. Fulcrum Media impacts more than $40B in retail transactions annually through integrated marketing. Learn more about Fulcrum's services at Fulcrum.ca.

Note to Editor
About The Survey¹

• Data collection for the study was conducted online between November 5^th to 8^th, 2013 on behalf of Pfizer Canada Inc.
• With a sample size of 2,043 Canadians
• The poll is accurate to within +/- 2.5 per cent

Key Findings¹

• More than three-in-five (78%) Canadians see their pharmacist as a trusted partner in their healthcare¹
• Only forty-six per cent say their pharmacist would be the first healthcare professional they would call or see for common health issues¹
• Ninety-two per cent of Canadians trust their pharmacist¹
• Eighty-four per cent agree that their pharmacist can help improve their health beyond just filling prescriptions¹
• Close to half (43%) know their pharmacist by name¹
• While not all pharmacy services are available in every province, many of those surveyed did not know, or were unsure of whether or not they could speak with their pharmacist about the following health-related matters (cough, cold, headache, rash, etc.):
• Smoking cessation options - 48%¹
• Flu shot - 43%¹
• Renewing or extending prescriptions - 30%¹
• Learning the difference between all over-the-counter medicine options - 21%¹

References
^{_____________________________________
1} Pharmacy in Canada Survey November 2013. Ipsos Reid. Sponsored by Pfizer Canada Inc.
² Drugstore Canada. Is Pharmacy being feminized? November 2012. Canadianhealthcarenetwork.ca. Accessed November 2013.
³ Service Canada. Pharmacists. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/3131.shtml Accessed November 2013.

SOURCE: Pfizer Canada Inc.