About
Le Regroupement des pharmacies de médicaments de spécialité du Québec (RPMSQ)
Ongoing scientific advances have led to many breakthroughs in specialty drugs over the last few years. While incredibly promising, these new treatments can be quite complex to manage.
This is how specialty drug pharmacies came to be: to address the need for a new pharmacy model adapted to the specific circumstances of patients on a specialty drug and more effective at managing these complex medicines.
From community to hospital pharmacies, specialty drug pharmacies, or pharmacies located in medical clinics-- every type of pharmacy serves a different purpose. The key is to enable patients to choose the pharmacy best suited to their unique needs and circumstances, and ensure they can access the full spectrum of services they require.
A unique
expertise
Specialty pharmacies
Specialty pharmacies exclusively serve patients who have been prescribed specialty drugs for certain medical conditions, such as cancer or rare diseases. This specialized approach ensures that specialty pharmacies have an in-depth understanding of these conditions, the specialty drugs used to treat them and the needs of patients who take specialty drugs.
Specialty pharmacies also offer more personalized services to their patients than other types of pharmacies, at no additional cost. Specialty pharmacy users have access to pharmacists who understand their condition and its treatment and can learn how to take their medication, enjoy proactive clinical care (validating lab tests and coordinating care with other health care professionals) and logistical support (appointment reminders), get insurance support to help patients get as much drug coverage as possible, as soon as possible—and much more.
An association with a patient focus
Specialty pharmacies have been around for over 20 years but are still little known.
The Regroupement des pharmacies de médicaments de spécialité du Québec (the RPMSQ) was created to build visibility for its members’ specialty pharmacies, to promote best practices and to interface with various health care stakeholders in order to support patients who need specialty drugs and make sure they are getting the most out of their pharmacy services.RPMSQ members follow a code of conduct that reflects their commitment to their patients’ best interests. Under the code, pharmacists are required to ensure that all patients served by their pharmacy agree to receive professional services and are aware of all their options so that they can make an informed decision. Pharmacists also commit to participate in patient support programs that comply with the laws and regulations in effect in Quebec, particularly when it comes to patients’ freedom of choice.
Like many other similar organizations across North America, the RPMSQ strives to be an active partner in promoting pharmacy practices that meet the needs of patients who rely on specialty drugs.
Executive Director
Brigitte Viel has racked up over 20 years of health care experience. She has worked closely with patient organizations, health care professionals and other industry partners to advocate for patients’ rights and interests. She now serves as the RPMSQ’s Executive Director.
Brigitte’s career started in communications, where she cut her teeth at public relations agencies NATIONAL and Cohn & Wolfe. During both stints, her primary role was to support patient organizations, pharmaceutical companies and other life science clients with their strategic positioning, awareness efforts and other communications initiatives. In 2011, she joined Shire as Head of Communications and Community Relations, before moving on to Pfizer in 2017, where she served as the Canadian Patient Engagement Lead.
Brigitte firmly believes that patients’ needs and perspectives should take centre stage in all decisions that affect patients, and that health literacy is key to making informed health care and well-being decisions.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from Concordia University and a specialized graduate diploma (DESS) from HEC Montréal.