MAC iOPS receives CSHP patient care award

The Medication Assessment Centre Interprofessional Opioid Pain Service (MAC iOPS) received the Excellence in Pharmacy Practice – Patient Care Award from the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). The award was accepted virtually at CSHP’s Together Conference 2022 on Sunday, February 6.

By Kieran Kobitz

The award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated outstanding performance in improving patient specific outcomes through their practice.

MAC iOPS was established, with federal funding, as an interdisciplinary chronic pain service in March 2020. The clinical team includes four pharmacists, one chronic pain physician, one physical therapist, and two social workers. MAC iOPS is available to all Saskatchewan residents and services are delivered virtually or in-person. 

MAC iOPS has improved access to interdisciplinary chronic pain management in Saskatchewan, resulting in improved overall self-reported health status of chronic pain patients, reduced opioid intake, and expanded access to take home naloxone. The MAC iOPS collaboration with primary care providers has been well received and has enhanced provider confidence in chronic pain management. Saskatchewan residents have limited access to interdisciplinary chronic pain management and the MAC iOPS was created to fill this gap.

The full MAC iOPS team includes Anan Ahmed, Katelyn Halpape, Isobel Johnston, Derek Jorgenson, Jennifer King, Kelly Kizlyk, Eric Landry , Radhika Marwah, Alex Murdock, Marissa Pirlot, Taylor Raiche, Carrie Verishagen, Tanis Walmsley, and Amy Wiebe.

 The award acceptance video from CSHP can be viewed below: