The idea is the brainchild of Kathy Kastner, the dynamic personality behind Healthtv, Canada's only in-hospital patient information station. Recognising a need for straightforward information, Kastner and her partner, Marvin Berns, rolled out the program, which is geared toward issues of compliance and drug interaction for specific illnesses, like cancer and heart disease. Currently, the programs are aired in 17 hospitals across Canada, with a target total of 45 sites set for next year. The service is funded through advertising and provided free of charge to hospitals, for viewing by patients and staff. To ensure accuracy, the programs are written in partnership with a team of healthcare professionals and national health associations, including Health Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Institute of Child Health, Canadian Pharmacists Association and the Asthma and Allergy Association.
Pharmacists are so much more accessible.
It's an excellent way to increase our professional profile.