Manitoba expands pharmacists’ scope to diagnose UTIs

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This article was published 01/12/2021 (1463 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

People experiencing recurring, and uncomplicated, urinary tract infections can now be diagnosed by a pharmacist, who can also prescribe a treatment course.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced Wednesday an expansion to the scope of practise for pharmacists in Manitoba to allow them treat clients presenting with symptoms of the infection, also called cystitis.

Gordon said the change builds on a promise from 2019 to improve access to treatment for urinary tract infections for women.

“These are relatively low-risk, recurring infections that are often self-diagnosed, and oral antibiotics are the usual treatment,” the minister said.

People can get up to three assessments by pharmacists per year, for free, Gordon added.

Ashley Hart, past-president of Pharmacists Manitoba, said the expanded scope of practise brings Manitoba in better alignment with the other Prairie provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan).

“Across Canada, the scope of pharmacy is changing and this announcement today brings us one step closer to enabling pharmacists to practise to their full potential right here in Manitoba,” Hart said.

Pharmacists will be required to take additional training before they’re able to assess patients for a bladder infection, Hart said. She asked Manitobans to call ahead to ensure staff are able to provide the service.

It’s expected most will be trained to assess bladder infections within a couple of months.

Hart said pharmacists will diagnose based on symptoms and noted any complicated infections, including those in pregnant people and people who experience more than three infections a year, will be referred to a physician.

Hart said 12 to 15 per cent of women experience a bladder infection each year.