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
Black History Month
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
- A focus on the health of Black people and anti-Black racism in health care in Canada (Canadian Medical Association Journal series)
- Social determinants and inequities in health for Black Canadians: A Snapshot (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Black Health Alliance
Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.
Black Health Education Collaborative
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.
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism: A Toolkit for Health Professionals
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.
Disabilities
Providing Equitable Care for Persons with Disabilities
This National Library of Medicine article discusses patient barriers to pharmacy care.
Discrimination & Racism
General DEI resources
Dalhousie Medical Student Diversity & Inclusion Committee
This course, Language Matters, presents recommended language to use and lists stigmatizing words or phrases related to patient interactions in health care.
Inclusive Workplace Guide: Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
This Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion document includes dos and don’ts on how to make a more inclusive workplace.
Indigenous
Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada
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.
Indigenous Canada Course
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
Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)
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.
Core San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Health Training
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
LGBT2SQ+
LGBT2SQ+ Patient Health
The CPhA offers a compilation of resources for creating a safe space in the pharmacy and healthcare providers.
Rainbow Health Ontario Sherbourne Health Resources
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.
Trans Care BC – Provincial Health Services Authority
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
Transgender and Gender Diverse Pharmacy Resource Guide
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.
Practicing with Pride - CPhA
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