The Current State
The Mental Health Commission of Canada confirms that Mental Health problems and illnesses are rated one of the top three drivers of both short and long-term disability claims by more than 80 percent of Canadian employers. Canadian mental health problems and illnesses account for more than $6 billion in lost productivity costs due to absenteeism. We now see that depression and anxiety disorders are concentrated in the working population and that despite our aging population, depression and anxiety have a very young face.
Mental illness, including depression, reduces life expectancy by 25 years and may have the same effect on life expectancy as smoking, and has more of an impact than obesity.
Innovative Solutions
The Pillcheck Service
- Identifies genetic variations that affect the way the body processes medications
- determines which medications will work best and be safest for the individual
- flags medications that may cause adverse side effects
- provides expert advice from specially trained pharmacists
Client-centric Approach
Screening to ensure appropriate candidates for Pillcheck is crucial. Exclusion criteria include: active addiction, diagnosis of schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder, and liver transplant to name a few. The service includes a review by a specially trained pharmacist who writes a letter for the prescribing physician supporting the client’s treatment optimization – a true personalized approach to prescribing medications.
More Information
Work is important for many reasons. It provides routine, purpose, a sense of identity and belonging and the opportunity to develop skills as well as financial security. Identifying innovative solutions to assist Canadians in resuming their regular activities, including work, through personalized medicine is a step in the right direction.
