DocTalk 2022 - Volume 9 Issue 2
     

June 2022
Source:  Mr. Willie Ermine, M. Ed, Assistant Professor, First Nations University.
A member of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation in the north-central part of Saskatchewan, Mr. Ermine has worked extensively with Elders, promotes ethical practices of research involving Indigenous Peoples and is particularly interested in the conceptual development of the ‘ethical space’–a theoretical space between cultures and worldviews.		   Indigenous-Western Healing – An introduction to the Indigenous perspective

“We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients” (TRC, 2015)

The above Call to Action presents intriguing possibilities. The possibility presented is that Indigenous and Western knowledge systems can co-exist and harmonize, and that this pluralism expands opportunities for effective disease management. Through collaborative work, this idea offers an opportunity for healers and medical practitioners to meet and exchange critical knowledge. It is an opportunity to identify innovation, inform policy and advocate for greater recognition of the role traditional medicine can play in contributing to understanding disease and where and when traditional medicines and cultural practices fit best alongside western medicine practices.

The possibility is to improve outcomes for Indigenous peoples and the next step is for primary healthcare organisations to support the development of traditional medicine services. The collaboration will work towards improving the effectiveness of interventions through culturally responsive care. It is to affirm that the range of interaction is important so that the practice of traditional medicine is not reduced to a “treatment”, the moment of contact between healer and individual, but acknowledges the ongoing healing journey of an individual to acquire restoration and balance. A forthcoming paper should be a tentative step to harmonization between Indigenous and Western practices of health. 


Look for a more in-depth article from Mr. Ermine on this very important topic in the next issue of DocTalk!


For information on the College's steps towards Reconciliation, see the Council News article in this issue, Laying the Foundations to Improve Care by Physicians for Indigenous Patients in Saskatchewan.

   

     


June 2022
Source: eHealth & collaborating organisations		   PIP Integration with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency


In the coming months eHealth will begin capturing all patient medications from the Allan Blair Cancer Centre (ABCC) and the Saskatoon Cancer Centre (SCC) into the Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP) record and the eHR Viewer for healthcare professionals. This is part of a patient safety initiative to improve completeness of provincial medication profiles.

An exact launch date will be communicated when finalized. Only new medication records dispensed after the launch date will populate the PIP profiles. Historical dispense records prior to launch date from ABCC and SCC pharmacy will not exist on the patient profile.

Many professionals utilize the Preadmission Medication List available in the PIP or the eHR Viewer in workflow processes. Cancer medications will display as per normal business rules on the Preadmission Medication List. No changes on the Preadmission Medication List have been made to differentiate these medications.

Please be advised that cancer medications will also be displayed in downstream applications such as My Sask Health Record. Therefore, residents of Saskatchewan will be able to view these new medications on their existing MSHR drug profile.

Download official letter


Organisations involved include:

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
  • College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan
  • eHealth Saskatchewan
  • medSask
  • Government of Saskatchewan
  • Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
  • Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
  • Saskatchewan Health Authority

   

     


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