Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist provides information services, advice and consultation to the general public and healthcare professionals via the drug information line and the 24-hour poison information line.  The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist responds to drug information requests from healthcare professionals and provides accurate unbiased therapeutic advice on questions regarding drug interactions, side effects, drugs in pregnancy and lactation, complex drug therapy, and alternative medication options. The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist also responds to the 24-hour poison information line by providing prompt and accurate information and advice to the public and healthcare professionals throughout the province. The pharmacist provides treatment recommendations and assists physicians in the decision making process regarding treatment strategies including antidote use.  The Pharmacist works with callers from the public and emergency response, calling ahead to emergency rooms to advise of incoming patients and treatment recommendations.  The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist works with other facilities such as group homes, correctional facilities and outpost nursing stations to provide immediate information and guidance on medication errors, toxicology and other poison related questions and calls.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Responds to drug information requests during regular service hours by assessing, evaluating and making therapeutic recommendations for each information inquiry as a unique situation.

2.    Provides accurate unbiased drug information and clinical advice to health professionals, including pharmacists, in the province of BC.
3.    Exercises professional judgment regarding involved and complex drug information requests, and consults with the designated supervisor and/or peers and/or DPIC medical consultant for additional guidance when required.
4.    Responds to poison calls from the general public and healthcare professionals from throughout the province based on clinical knowledge, professional judgment and poison centre protocols. Provides first aid advice to poisoned patients and treatment information; establishes the need for patient assessment at a health care facility; assesses, evaluates and triages poison exposures, drug overdoses, and medication errors as required.
5.    Acts as a resource to other healthcare professionals by providing treatment information and recommendations to physicians and nurses on the management of poisoned and overdosed patients.
6.    Assists physicians in the decision making process such as administration of antidotes including calculations and dosing frequency and advises on decisions regarding patient transfers.
7.    Notifies hospital triage nurses regarding incoming poison patients, providing history of exposure, treatment recommendations and expected symptoms.
8.    Documents calls as per poison centre protocols for service evaluation, follow up and quality management.
9.    Performs follow up calls to both lay public at home and to healthcare facilities to determine the effectiveness of treatment and to provide additional recommendations as needed.
10.    Provides poison information and clinical advice to other health professionals, including EHS, public and environmental health officers, and nurses working in jails or correction facilities and remote nursing stations. Provides poison information to workers and industrial first aid workers dealing with a poison or chemical exposure.
11.    Provides advice to group home personnel regarding medication errors.
12.    Performs in-depth literature searches, evaluation and clinical recommendation for complicated drug and poison requests.
13.    Consults with the DPIC on-call staff and/or DPIC medical staff on poison calls as required and/or escalates issues to designated supervisor.
14.    Contributes to the publication content of Drug Information Reference and Poison Management Manual, DPIC newsletters, and DPIC web site.
15.    Contributes drug and poison information publications to professional journals and newsletters.
16.    Assists in the education component of DPIC by participating in teaching, instructing, supervising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate pharmacy, medical, nursing students and residents in their practicum placements with DPIC.
17.    Participates in didactic teaching in undergraduate pharmacy program(s) as required.
18.    Participates in DPIC’s public poison prevention education as needed.
19.    Participates in DPIC sponsored research and data collection as required.
20.    As a member of the DPIC Team, contributes to the development of DPIC program components and assists in the implementation of new or revised service objectives.
21.    As a member of the DPIC team, assists in updating and maintaining current drug information and poison protocols, policies, procedures and knowledge translation for website and program requirements
22.    Participates on drug information, poison information and injury prevention related committees at the provincial, national and international level as required.
23.    Assists in the instruction and orientation of new staff members as required.
24.    Participates in peer review in both drug and poison information. Provides feedback and follow-up on as-needed basis.
25.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Current registration as a Pharmacist with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
•    Successful completion of a Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program or experience in Drug and Poison information.
•    Two years recent, related experience in ICU, critical care or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.


Skills and Abilities

•    Demonstrated knowledge of in-service teaching or continuing education principles.
•    Demonstrated computer skills with relevant software such as MS Office and centre applications.
•    Effective oral and written communication skills and demonstrated listening skills.
•    Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
•    Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
•    Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
•    Ability to work under stressful conditions in a calm and effective manner.
•    Ability to work a variety of shifts, including night shifts and weekends, as required.
•    Demonstrated strong judgement, decision-making and analytical skills.
•    Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.