Pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments and contraception - data

The Ministry of Health is working with partners to evaluate the impact of pharmacists assessing and prescribing through the Minor Ailments and Contraception Service (MACS).

This monitoring and evaluation data demonstrates the uptake and performance of MACS on patients and the health care system. The program launched on June 1, 2023.

Between June 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024:

• Over 340,000 MACS were conducted
• More than 260,000 patients received MACS
• More than 1,400 pharmacies provided MACS (91% of community pharmacies*)
• Over 3,900 pharmacists provided MACS, which is approximately 59% of licensed B.C. pharmacists, or 75% of active community pharmacists*

*Submitted a PharmaCare claim in the year before program launch

The greatest number of assessments were for:​

• Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated) - 21%
• Contraception - 20%
• Conjunctivitis - 8%
• Allergic rhinitis - 7%
• Herpes Labialis (Cold sores) - 7%

Of the minor ailment and contraception assessments, approximately 79% resulted in a prescription and 10% resulted in advice to see another healthcare provider.

Top 5 assessments resulting in a prescription

Ailment	% of claims
Herpes labialis (cold sores)	94%
Urinary tract infection (uncomplicated)	89%
Acne	89%
Gastroesophageal reflux disease/dyspepsia	88%
Hemorrhoids	88%

Top 5 assessments resulting in a referral

Ailment	% of claims
Headache	21%
Shingles	19%
Vaginal candidiasis	18%
Oropharyngeal candidiasis	18%
Fungal infection	16%

The Ministry extends its appreciation to pharmacists for the ongoing success of MACS and pharmacists prescribing. For more information, refer to Pharmacist scope of practice.

The goals of the MACS evaluation are to:

• Assess and quantify participation by patients, pharmacists and pharmacies
• Determine if pharmacists assessing and prescribing for minor ailments and contraception: 
  • improves access to treatment
  • improves quality of care for patients
  • improves the efficiency of health care delivery
  • promotes fairness and equity in accessing health care
• Identify factors that facilitate or hinder patient access to this care
• Describe the experiences of patients and health care providers who access the program
• Identify and use quality measures to make improvements to the program

As part of the evaluation plan, pharmacists and members of the public may be invited to participate in surveys. All perspectives are valued and will help the Ministry improve the program. 

Check this page for ongoing updates as new data becomes available.

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