- A red flag leads to reassessment by an authorized professional.
- The pharmacist must also stay within their competence: when in doubt, they refer.
- They explain their reasons to you and pass useful information to the professional concerned.
What is a red flag?
The Ordre’s guide defines it this way:
- a sign or symptom that may indicate an undiagnosed chronic or systemic disease;
- a sign or symptom suggesting decline of an organ or system;
- a sign or symptom that recurs or persists after taking a drug prescribed by the pharmacist;
- an unusual reaction to treatment;
- signs and symptoms that do not allow the problem to be clearly identified.
Can the pharmacist treat an acute middle ear infection?
Generally not. The guide states that when it was published, assessing the signs of acute otitis media was not part of pharmacists’ initial training. Without this competence, they cannot prescribe to treat it. A pharmacist could acquire it through complete training, but very young children should be referred to a physician or nurse practitioner.
What about dizziness?
The guide gives the example of vertigo-type dizziness in a young patient. These symptoms are not very specific and a complete examination is needed. This situation should instead be assessed by an authorized professional.
Who might they refer you to?
Depending on the problem: a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, optometrist or a fellow pharmacist, including one holding a master’s degree in advanced pharmacotherapy. They communicate the reasons for their decision to the professional concerned, along with the follow-up done and to come.
What questions should I ask?
- Why are you recommending that I consult elsewhere?
- How soon should I consult?
- Which signs should make me react faster?
- Can you pass your notes on to this person?
Sources: OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on prescribing (in French)
General information based on the publications cited. This text does not replace professional or legal advice, or the Ordre’s guides.