Designed by The Arthritis Society, the unique pain management program will be rolled out in participating pharmacies in Autumn 2014 under the diem™ therapeutic brand. Pharmacists that have been trained and certified under the program will be able to provide a wide-range of tailored health services to those living with arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Under the diem™ brand, pharmacists will offer bundles of professional services and companion products, thus allowing patients to access complete and integrated support to optimize their drug therapies and minimize side-effects.
"Customized patient care is at the heart of the programs and services we offer," explains Jim Snowdon, Guardian pharmacist. "Thanks to this unique diem™ pain management offering, Canadians living with arthritis will be able to obtain holistic therapeutic support from their neighborhood Guardian, I.D.A., PROXIM and the Medicine Shoppe pharmacist."
"This new initiative will make a true difference in the lives of Canadians living with arthritis by giving them increased access to professional, qualified care down the street and across the counter," said Janet Yale, President and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "By increasing the convenience and ease with which Canadians can receive specialized counsel, this program will help those with arthritis get the help they need to live with less pain and greater independence."
"Pharmacy in Canada is undergoing a major transformation, as provincial governments expand the scope of professional services that pharmacists can offer and shift patient care into community settings," noted Dale Weil, Interim Senior Vice President of Retail Banner Management Services at McKesson Canada, which operates the four retail pharmacy banners. "Through our network of 1,350 stores from coast to coast to coast, Guardian, I.D.A., PROXIM and the Medicine Shoppe pharmacists are responding to the growing needs of Canadians living with chronic disease and complex medical conditions by providing customized patient care."
The term arthritis ("arthro" meaning joint, "itis" meaning inflammation) is used to refer to more than 100 related conditions. Arthritis can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background, often with devastating and debilitating effects.
There are 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis, a number expected to rise to 7.5 million by 2036. The main symptoms of arthritis are chronic joint pain, stiffness and swelling, which can result in significant disability and poor quality of life.