How PAD topics are developed

1. Choosing a topic

PAD pharmacists welcome ideas for PAD topics from physicians, pharmacists, nurses, other health care professionals, Pharmaceutical, Laboratory & Blood Services Division staff and others. 

Suggest a PAD topic – PAD topic suggestions

We consider these factors when selecting a topic:

• Relevance to most primary care clinicians
• Perceived or known medication use issue
• Credible drug-therapy evidence that would support a practice change
• Disease burden and severity
• Drug utilization
• Barriers to practice change
• Amenability to academic detailing and a 30-60 minute session
• Potential synergy with other optimal use initiatives
• Potential budget impact

2. Literature review

PAD pharmacists conduct a literature review for best available evidence for the drug therapy topic.

PAD pharmacists complete in-depth literature searches and critical appraisals of relevant evidence and compile the results in a summary document.

3. Key messages and materials

PAD pharmacists develop 3 to 5 key messages based on literature review findings.

PAD pharmacists create detailing materials such as information sheets, newsletters and drug tables to support the PAD pharmacists in their sessions.

4. Upskill PAD pharmacists

PAD pharmacists work together to increase their knowledge for each topic through a combination of self-directed learning, assigned readings, telephone/video conferencing and in-person training workshops.

5. External review

The key messages, summary documents and detailing materials are reviewed externally by family physicians, clinical experts, experts in critical appraisal, professional organizations and academic detailing programs in other provinces.

A complete list of sources/references is available from the PAD pharmacists.

6. CME accreditation

PAD pharmacists obtain MainPro+ accreditation from College of Family Physicians of Canada. Each topic is accredited for up to 1.0 MainPro+ credits.

7. Launch

PAD pharmacists schedule academic detailing sessions with family physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists. Other health professionals may be included depending on the topic and if time permits. PAD pharmacists also provide educational sessions to family medicine residents as requested.