Ministry of Health
PAD Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the B.C. Provincial Academic Detailing (PAD) service?
- What is academic detailing?
- What is technology enabled academic detailing (TEAD)?
- How does a TEAD session compare to a face-to-face session?
- How much time is involved?
- How are topics selected?
- How is the content for each topic developed?
- Are CME credits available for participating?
- Are the academic detailing sessions confidential?
- Is there a fee for participating in the service?
- How is the academic detailing service funded?
- How can I participate?
- Where can I get more information?
What is the B.C. Provincial Academic Detailing (PAD) service?
The B.C. Provincial Academic Detailing (PAD) service is a medication education service aimed at providing objective, balanced, evidence-informed drug information to physicians and other health care professionals on best prescribing practices. The B.C. PAD service was launched in March 2008, and is available in all five health authorities.
TopWhat is academic detailing?
Academic detailing is a form of continuing medical education (CME) in which a knowledgeable and experienced health care professional (usually a pharmacist) visits the participants at their offices or clinics for one-on-one discussions on selected drug therapy topics. Academic detailing (sometimes called educational outreach) provides physicians and other health care professionals in-depth, evidence-based information at a convenient time and place. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have found that academic detailing is an effective form of CME.
What is technology enabled academic detailing (TEAD)?
Technology enabled academic detailing (TEAD) incorporates innovative technology into traditional academic detailing to enhance and support the B.C. PAD service. TEAD sessions are Web conference-based, easy to set up, can be conducted from anywhere (office, clinic, or home) and at anytime (outside of office hours or in between other appointments). The only equipment needed for a TEAD session is a computer with an Internet connection, speakers and a microphone, or a telephone.
How does a TEAD session compare to a face-to-face session?
Both TEAD sessions and traditional face-to-face sessions are conducted live and one-on-one (or in small groups if requested) by B.C. PAD's academic detailing pharmacists. Both types of sessions include the same content and written materials, are tailored to meet the participant's learning needs and provide ample opportunity for discussion.
How much time is involved?
Each session generally lasts 15-30 minutes but may take as long as 60 minutes for small groups. The academic detailing pharmacist will make arrangements to meet in person, or set up a Web conference, at a time convenient for the participant. A different therapeutic topic is discussed at each session (about 2-3 topics per year).
How are topics selected?
Drug therapy topics are recommended by a broad-based advisory committee with representatives from the B.C. Medical Association, B.C. College of Family Physicians, Division of Continuing Professional Development UBC Faculty of Medicine, UBC eHealth Strategy Office, College of Pharmacists of B.C., and the Ministry of Health. Consideration is given to important clinical developments for medications frequently prescribed in primary care. Suggestions for topics are welcome from all sources.
How is the content for each topic developed?
For each topic, a thorough review of the literature is conducted by several clinical experts. Written materials (including the Prescription PAD newsletter) are created and are peer-reviewed by at least two physicians, including at least one family practice physician. The academic detailing pharmacists attend several on-line training sessions and a 2-3 day upskilling workshop. They also do extensive self-study to ensure that they have in-depth knowledge of the topic.
Are CME credits available for participating?
Each academic detailing topic meets the accreditation criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 1.0 Mainpro-M1 credit.
Are the academic detailing sessions confidential?
Yes. The pharmacist does not disclose the details of the academic detailing session. Individual physician participation is recorded, but only aggregate participation data is reported. For quality improvement of the service, comments from the evaluation forms may be reported but individuals are not identified.
Is there a fee for participating in the service?
No. There is no charge for meeting with the pharmacist or for the written information provided.
How is the academic detailing service funded?
Funding for the B.C. PAD service is provided to regional health authorities and UBC by the Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical Services Division. Approximately two full-time pharmacist positions are allocated to each health region across the province.
How can I participate?
As each new topic is developed, the academic detailing pharmacists will contact family/general practitioners' offices in their region to arrange appointments. Academic detailing sessions (traditional face-to-face or via TEAD) are also available for nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and naturopathic doctors and students. If you are interested in meeting with the academic detailing pharmacist, please contact us (see contact information below) and we will connect you to the academic detailing pharmacist in your region.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the B.C. PAD service or how to contact the pharmacists providing academic detailing services in your region, please call us at 604 660-1978, email PAD@gov.bc.ca or visit us at www.bcpad.ca or www.medmatters.bc.ca/info-hprof/pad.html
