COVID-19

A new paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal is reiterating calls from the health-care community for Canada to follow dozens of other countries in introducing HIV self-testing kits.

We’ve been getting by with virtual care, and during the pandemic, it may be the best option possible given the many constraints we are facing. But we need to recognize and value the relational effort that makes virtual care function. Ultimately, family medicine is built on relationships. It's relationships, in the clinic and in our communities that will get us through this pandemic.

With some Ontario pharmacies starting to offer this service, it's brought up a lot of questions, challenges as well as benefits. As with any new service or change to workflow, pharmacies have had to plan, adapt and be agile to incorporate testing into their practice safely and efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at what COVID-19 testing at Ontario needs to take into consideration.

The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Hogan Pharmacy and PeopleCare are teaming up with Canadian company AirMatrix to test deliveries to homes and long-term care facilities using drones.