Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

As the provincial pharmacy regulator, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists recognizes the important role that pharmacy professionals can play in addressing disparity in health care.

To successfully incorporate equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into pharmacy practice, it is important to understand what EDI means and how it can enhance the delivery of safe, quality patient care.

Equity entails both fairness and the implementation of strategies and policies aimed at recognizing disparities among individuals. Identifying inherent biases and actively addressing them can establish an environment in which all patients can receive an equal standard of care.

Diversity embraces and commemorates the unique qualities of each person, encompassing attributes like skin colour, race, gender, physical capabilities, as well as non-physical attributes, including religious affiliations, political convictions, ideologies and socio-economic standings. Delivering trusted patient care necessitates the fair and impartial treatment of all patients, irrespective of these distinctions.

Inclusion involves fostering an environment where every individual is not only appreciated but also accorded equal respect. It necessitates ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities to establish a space where everyone experiences a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Resources

African Canadian

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) provides a number of resources, including those below, in service to Black pharmacists and the patients they serve. 

Research/Articles

Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

LINK - Black Health Alliance

The Black Health Education Collaborative consists of Black scholars and practitioners committed to transforming medical and health professional education in service of improved health of Black communities across Canada. 

LINK - Black Health Education Collaborative

Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) is a non-profit organization for Black Pharmacy professionals across Canada; with a mission to promote equity in Pharmacy practice for our Black Pharmacy professionals and Black patients.

LINK - Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada

This module, from Queens University, is designed to further understanding of anti-Black racism in the healthcare professions and to provide you with resources to combat and address racism in learning and teaching spaces. 

LINK - Dismantling Anti-Black Racism: A Toolkit for Health Professionals

 

Disabilities

This National Library of Medicine article discusses patient barriers to pharmacy care.

LINK - Providing Equitable Care for Persons with Disabilities

This booklet seeks to promote a fair and accurate portrayal of people with disabilities. It recommends current and appropriate terminology to help reach this goal.

LINK - A Way With Words and Images 

 

Discrimination & Racism

In this webinar, CPhA brings together a panel of pharmacists with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to begin a conversation on how discrimination and racism have impacted them, both personally and professionally.

The webinar is broken down into two parts: Part 1 & Part 2. 

This course covers topics including racism in the workplace, bias in recruiting and hiring, and allyship and action plans.

  • Cost: $497
  • Online blended with a 4-hour Q & A sessions with the instructor

Learners will earn a microcredential in Inclusive Communication Strategies

LINK - Dalhousie University Foundations of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

The Anti-Racism Learning Series provides information on issues of racism and the systemic barriers that exist for marginalized and racialized groups in Canada. It provides access to tools, job aids, courses, workshops and events on topics such as anti-Black racism, unconscious bias, disaggregated data, mental health and the challenges faced by visible minorities in the public service.

LINK - Anti-Racism Learning Series

 

General EDI resources

This course, Language Matters, presents recommended language to use and lists stigmatizing words or phrases related to patient interactions in health care.

LINK - Dalhousie Medical Student Diversity & Inclusion Committee

This Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion document includes dos and don’ts on how to make a more inclusive workplace.

LINK - Inclusive Workplace Guide: Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)

Historically, there has been an underrepresentation of diversity in clinical education and literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in skin of colour, putting these patients at risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In this session, Dr. Ravina Sanghera addresses this knowledge gap by discussing health inequities in dermatology, the physiologic/functional differences between skin colours and common cultural practices affecting the skin and hair. She also discuss how the presentation/management of common dermatological conditions may differ in darkly pigmented skin compared with lightly pigmented skin as well as dermatological conditions that occur predominantly in skin of colour.

LINK - Video

Addressing social determinants of health can help mitigate health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In this keynote session, Dr. Danielle Paes will explore the critical role pharmacists play in promoting health equity and inclusivity within the Canadian health-care system. Attendees will gain insight into how pharmacists, as the most accessible health-care professional, can offer personalized culturally competent care while advocating for the health equity of underrepresented populations. Join us as we discuss actionable strategies to build a more inclusive future for health care in Canada.

LINK - Video

 

Indigenous

The CPhA provides a compilation of resources for accessible care for Indigenous Peoples, incorporating Indigenous practices in care, inclusive care, implementing culturally safe practices, supporting health concerns in Indigenous Peoples, and pharmacy education & research.

LINK - Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada

This University of Alberta course reflects on the complex experiences Indigenous peoples face from a historical and critical perspective.

  • Cost: Free
  • Online, with options of receiving a certificate or for credit
  • Duration: 12 weeks; 2-3 hours/week

LINK - Indigenous Canada Course

JEDI's Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module helps organizations to understand Indigenous history with a regional focus on New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. 

LINK - Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module

The Core Training program is designed for people working in any sector with a focus on an ON context. It covers how to work with and provide services to Indigenous people and communities, collaboration, and reflecting on changing systems to uproot racism.

  • Cost: $300
  • Online, asynchronous
  • Duration: 8-10 hours

LINK - Core San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Health Training

 

LGBT2SQ+

This resource, provided by the University of New Brunswick, highlights the importance of using pronouns to cultivate a safe and respectful space for people. It includes a “Common Questions” section.

LINK - EDI Guide to Pronouns

The CPhA offers a compilation of resources for creating a safe space in the pharmacy and healthcare providers.

LINK - 2SLGBTQIA+ Patient Health 

This resource library, provided by Rainbow Health Ontario, aims to collect and share the most relevant and reliable LGBT2SQ health resources for Ontario LGBT2SQ communities, service providers and others with an interest in LGBT2SQ health. 

LINK - Rainbow Health Ontario Sherbourne Health Resources

Trans Care BC supports the delivery of equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for trans people. The site provides up to date information, in order to provide the best possible gender-affirming care to trans individuals and their families, and also includes a page for health-care professionals. 

LINK to Trans Care BC
LINK to page for health-care professionals

Providing care to transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients requires primary care providers to be aware of unique health-care needs that are often overlooked. This session will explore the role of the primary care provider in supporting the health and well-being of TGD individuals in their practices. There will be a focus on the provision of gender-affirming care that is centered around the individual's desires, goals, and gender expression. Participants will gain a fundamental knowledge of therapeutic options available to support their TGD patients including social, psychological, legal and surgical pathways, with an in-depth focus on the hormonal therapies available.

LINK - Video

This resource, provided by the American Pharmacists Association, includes qualities of a gender-affirming pharmacy. It covers LGBTQ terms, communication, patient data management, visible symbols of support, staff training, and providing patient-centred care.

LINK - Transgender and Gender Diverse Pharmacy Resource Guide

This presentation explores the intersection of gender diversity and urinary tract infection (UTI) management, equipping pharmacists with the tools to provide more inclusive and affirming care. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of gender-related terminology and the challenges faced by gender diverse individuals in healthcare settings. We’ll delve into practical strategies for enhancing communication and developing effective care plans tailored to diverse patient needs, ensuring equitable and compassionate management of UTIs.

LINK - Video

This CPhA video resource offers the Top 10 actionable strategies to improve LGBT2SQ+ health in pharmacy and also features a downloadable quick reference tool.

LINK to CPhA video resource
LINK to Top 10 actionable strategies to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ health in pharmacy

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