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Pharmacy Specialty Networks

A Pharmacy Specialty Network (PSN) is a group of members with similar specialty interest, who wish to have a national forum for networking. A PSN may also be a national network of already established provincial specialty groups. The purpose of the PSN is to promote practice excellence and the enhancement of patient-centred pharmacy practice through information sharing, educational events and the facilitation of research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the key benefits of joining a PSN?

How do I join a PSN?

Is there a fee to join a PSN?

Can I belong to more than one (1) PSN during a membership year?

What is the process to form a new PSN?

What are my responsibilities as a member of a PSN?

What are responsibilities of the PSN Chair and Executive Team?

What is a Listserv?

How do I log into the Listserv?

How do I send an email to the PSN Listserv?

Where can I find a list of the current PSNs and their email addresses?

What are my email delivery options?

How do I change my message delivery options?

What about extended absences (such as vacation)?

How do I access archived email?

Is there any email etiquette that I should be aware of?

Can I post an advertisement for employment?

What information about the PSN group members is available?

How does my PSN create and maintain a web-page on the CSHP website?

What is a Joint PSN?

Where do I find more information about PSNs?

What are the key benefits of joining a PSN?

• Communication and networking among members within each specialty group via an electronic listserv;
• Opportunities to develop educational session(s) pertaining to the specialty at the CSHP Professional Practice Conference (PPC) or Summer Educational Sessions (SES); and
• PSN members can serve as opinion leaders by being a key resource for CSHP Council on professional specialty issues, including development of relevant position or information papers.

How do I join a PSN?

• Applications can be made by:
• 
  
1. Completing the online application; or
2. Completing the PSN application form included with your membership renewal package; or
3. Contacting the CSHP PSN Administrator by email or phone.


• The PSN membership year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Your membership in a PSN continues as long as you are a current individual member of CSHP, or you choose to end your participation with a PSN.

Is there a fee to join a PSN?

• No. The PSNs are free of charge, and any individual CSHP member may join.

Can I belong to more than one (1) PSN during a membership year?

• Yes. You may belong to more than one (1) PSN during a membership year.
  • Please restrict your membership to the PSNs that are directly related to your area of practice, unless you are prepared to handle a high-volume of email traffic.

What is the process to form a new PSN?

• Any CSHP member can submit an application to form a new PSN.
• The PSN Coordinating Committee reviews the application and communicates the decision to the member who submitted the application.
• The CSHP Office promotes the new PSN in the CSHP eBulletin once approved.

What are my responsibilities as a member of a PSN?

• As a member of PSN, it is your responsibility to:
• 
  
1. Be committed to CSHP’s mission and vision.
2. Be familiar with the most current copy of the PSN policies and procedures and the PSN Guide; these are kept on CSHP’s website.
3. Keep your CSHP membership current. The membership year ends June 30th of each year. If you choose not to renew your membership, your participation in the PSN will end when your CSHP membership ends.
4. Keep your PSN active. PSNs can be dissolved for various reasons, including low email traffic.
5. Ensure that your emails comply with the etiquette outlined in the PSN Guide. (Posted emails are monitored by the listserv moderator; members who repeatedly offend will be removed from the PSN.)
6. Inform the PSN Administrator if your email address changes.
7. Make arrangements to suspend your PSN email during vacation and other extended absences. Refer to the PSN Member Handbook for more information.

What are responsibilities of the PSN Chair and Executive Team?

• The Chair of the PSN reports to the PSN Coordinating Committee and has overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the PSN.
• The PSN will have an executive team that consists of, at a minimum, a Chair, a Chair-elect, and a Past Chair. The PSN may expand the executive team to include other positions such as: Research Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Communications/Website Coordinator, and Publications Coordinator.
• The Chair and Executive Team are required to create and maintain a Terms of Reference for the PSN. The Terms of Reference will specify the purpose and goals, structure, membership, and responsibilities of the PSN, distinguishing the PSN from other PSNs. A copy of the Terms of Reference for each PSN can be found on the PSN’s website, within CSHP’s website.
• The Chair is responsible for:
  
  1. Welcoming each new member to the PSN;
  2. Forwarding the required documents to each new member of the PSN;
  3. Submitting an annual PSN activity report;
  4. Requesting/suggesting PSN sessions at CSHP national educational conferences; and
  5. Chairing a PSN business meeting, every two years.

  The names of the PSN Chairs are listed on CSHP’s website at http://www.cshp.ca/cshpNetwork/psn/psn-list_e.asp.

What is a Listserv?

• A Listserv is a distinct Yahoo! Group with its own electronic mailing list and Internet/web features. Members are automatically placed on the electronic mailing list (listserv), but access to the group Internet/web features requires a Yahoo! ID and password. Internet/web features include the ability to manage your user profile as well as access to message archives, membership lists and data files. Data files may be uploaded directly to the group homepage but are accessible only to members who have enabled the internet/web features of the group.
• Please ensure that your email settings are configured to allow listserv emails. You may need to contact your institution’s system administrator to “allow” listserv email through firewalls or spam filters. You may wish to check with them first if you have not been receiving listserv messages.  

How do I log into the Listserv?

• The Yahoo! Groups login page is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups.
• You will be prompted to enter your Yahoo! ID and password. If you have forgotten either, they can be retrieved from the main login screen.
• If you are already a member of the group, you may contact the CSHP PSN Administrator to obtain instructions on how to set up a Yahoo! ID and password.

How do I send an email to the PSN listserv?

     There are two ways to send an email to the PSN:

1. Copy and paste the email address for the PSN, provided below, into your email program and compose your message.
2. Send an email directly from the Yahoo! webpage to the PSN listserv.

If you attempt to post a message to the Listserv from an email address other than the one you registered/subscribed with, your message to the Listserv will be blocked. Whenever a member of a PSN group poses a question or announcement, all registered members will automatically receive the question or announcement. Likewise, all will receive responses. Members must login to Yahoo Groups in order to view posted files. Each Yahoo Group has been allotted 100MB of space for the posting/storage of files on their group website.

*Joint PSN with CPhA.

What are my email delivery options?

Remember! If your email address changes, please inform the PSN Administrator. In order to continue to receive listserv correspondence, your email address will need to be updated.

For each Yahoo! Listserv you belong to, you select one of these message receipt options:

If you belong to a Yahoo Listserv PSN:

• Individual Emails
  Messages are delivered one at a time to your email inbox. This is the best option if you want to keep up on the latest posts immediately. Email attachments, if included in a message, will be sent directly to your inbox. However, email attachments are removed once messages are archived on the group home page.
• Daily Digest
  Messages are delivered in batches of 25 or daily, whichever comes sooner. This is the best option if you want to receive fewer mail messages and don't need up-to-the minute posts in your inbox. Email attachments are not available in digests.
• No Mail/Web Only
  This delivery method is the best option to choose if you prefer to read messages only on the web, and not through email. It is also useful if you need to temporarily put message delivery on hold, for example, while you’re on vacation. However, keep in mind that (rarely) some groups do not enable the "message archive" feature and for these groups it is not possible to read messages on the web. It is the moderator’s decision whether to enable the message archive feature.
• Only Special Announcements
  With this delivery method, you’ll receive email messages only when CSHP National Office posts a "Special Announcement" message. This is a good option if you want to pass on day-to-day discussion for very busy groups but do want to receive important updates from the CSHP national Office. Keep in mind that the posting of “Special Announcement” messages will not be a regular or frequent occurrence.

If you belong to the Primary Care PSN:

• All members of the Primary Care PSN can manage their e-mail by sending an e-mail with a blank subject line with the appropriate command line entered in the body of the email, with no other content or signature, to listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca.
• Refer to this URL for a complete list of basic commands for the listserv (such as those to change email address, suspend email delivery during vacation, set-up delivery method as individual or batched/daily digests): http://psnextranet.pharmacists.ca/content/community/docs/Basic%20Commands.pdf.
• Alternately, to get a list of all the Listserv commands, send an email to: listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca with INFO REFCARD in the body of the email.

How do I change my message receipt options?

If you belong to a Yahoo! Listserv PSN:

• To change your message receipt options, login to your My Groups page. Click on the desired group(s) and choose the “Edit Membership” link at the top of the screen. Scroll down to Step 2 in order to change your message receipt preferences. See “How do I manage my group memberships?” for more detailed instructions.

If you belong to the Primary Care PSN:

• All members of the Primary Care PSN can manage their email by sending an email with a blank subject line with the appropriate command line entered in the body of the email, with no other content or signature, to listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca.
• Please refer to this URL for a complete list of basic commands for the listserv (such as those to change email address, suspend email delivery during vacation, set-up delivery method as individual or batched/daily digests): http://psnextranet.pharmacists.ca/content/community/docs/Basic%20Commands.pdf .
• Alternately, to get a list of all the Listserv commands, send an email to: listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca with INFO REFCARD in the body of the email.

What about extended absences (such as vacation)?

If you belong to a Yahoo! Listserv PSN:

• Do not use “auto-reply” when on extended absences or vacation.
• Listserv members are encouraged to make arrangements to suspend their listserv email during vacation and other extended absences. This can be done by:
  1. Changing your personal Yahoo! Groups delivery settings option to "No Mail/Web Only" using the “Edit Membership” feature on your group homepage. OR
  2. Requesting that the CSHP PSN Administrator put a HOLD on your listserv emails while on vacation or out of the office and restart your listserv email at a pre-specified date. The PSN Administrator may suspend your listserv account during that time if necessary to avoid clogging of other members’ inboxes.

If you belong to the Primary Care PSN:

Members of the Primary Care PSN should manage their email by sending an email with a blank subject line to listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca.

• Delivery of emails can be temporarily suspended then re-activated by sending the appropriate commands below.
• The command should be entered in the body of the email with no other content or signature.

PURPOSE - DESCRIPTION	COMMAND
To temporarily suspend receiving email from the list (e.g., when on vacation)	SET PHC-L NOMAIL
To re-establish receiving mail from the list (e.g., back from vacation)	SET PHC-L MAIL

How do I access archived email?

If you belong to a Yahoo! Listserv PSN:

• All Listserv messages are archived.
• To access archived messages on Yahoo! Groups, you must sign in to Yahoo! Groups and go to your group on the web. Click on the link for “Messages” found in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. Messages are sorted by date (from oldest to newest).

If you belong to the Primary Care PSN:

• Contributions sent to this list are automatically archived. You can get a list of the available archive files by sending an “INDEX PHC-L" command to listserv@listserv.pharmacists.ca. You can then order these files with a "GET PHC-L LOGxxxx” command, or using LISTSERV’s database search facilities. Send an “INFO DATABASE" command for more information on the latter. This list is available in digest form. If you wish to receive the digested version of the postings, just issue a SET PHC-L DIGEST command.

Is there any email etiquette that I should be aware of?

Yes. When posting email, all PSN members are asked to comply with following:

• Subject Heading: When creating messages, always include a subject line. Do not leave your subject line blank or use non-descript titles such as, “A Quick Question”.

Remember! From the title, a reader should be able to discern whether a message is of interest to him/her. A descriptive title helps a subscriber to decide whether to read the message immediately, save it for later or quickly delete it. It is invaluable for searching through archives of previous topics.

• Some email systems are set up to block any emails without a title line and treat it as spam.
• Be clear and concise. State your question early in the message.
• Participants (not the listserv) are responsible for any breaches of privacy or confidentiality laws that may arise. Remember to respect both the federal and provincial laws of confidentiality in all messages.
• Remember that long paragraphs (>2-3 sentences) are very difficult to read. Where possible, use bullet points to ease reading.
• Be mindful and respectful of others. Do not request information that would be unduly taxing on others.
• Do not use the listserv for personal messages
• When responding to a message, please carefully consider in advance whether a personal response to the message originator or the entire group is most appropriate.
• Refrain from including personal “chat” or jokes in a REPLY ALL to the listserv.
• If the message originator receives several responses directly, it is helpful to compile a summary of responses that is then sent out to the listserv so everyone can benefit.
• All messages should be signed with the member’s full name. Practice site information is preferred but not mandatory.
• There are potential copyright issues with emailing PDF articles. Also, many email servers automatically classify any emails with attachments as spam.
• The listserv must not be used to advertise employment opportunities or recruit membership in other associations.
• If you receive several responses to your query, summarize the findings and report back to the group.
• Please refrain from sending messages that do not contain relevant information (such as a thank you); you may change the subject line and reply directly to the sender/poster.
• Do your own homework first. The listserv is a resource to use after you have done your literature search. Do not abuse the listserv. An occasional request for help with presentations, protocols or teaching materials is permitted, but do not use the listserv as your first or sole source for planning.
• When you provide information to the listserv, ensure that you properly reference and acknowledge sources of materials (including listserv members). Add links in your messages to websites or journals wherever possible; this will save time for those that are interested in learning more.
• Remember that your response will be posted to all members of the listserv.
• Use caution when questions about formulary policy decisions are being discussed.
• To avoid potential concerns regarding fixing fees for services, please refrain from discussions that include specific fees or reimbursement.
• If mentioning a journal article not previously discussed, a concise summary is helpful.
• Be cognizant that it is difficult to interpret tone through email. Always reread your message before posting to minimize misunderstood intent by others.
• If you plan to share information from the listserv messages, you should ask permission in advance.
• All listserv messages must follow the CSHP Conflict of Interest Policy. No messages may be sent for personal financial gain. When in doubt, consult the CSHP Operations Manager.

Can I post an advertisement for employment? 

In most cases, the posting of advertisements for employment is not permitted via the PSN; this includes the postings of student jobs, residency programs, and fellowships.  The one exception to this practice is the ‘recruitment for volunteers or international aid’.  If you would like to post such a recruitment advertisement, please contact the PSN Administrator to request approval of the posting.  There are no guarantees that the request will be approved.

What information about the PSN group members is available?

• To protect your privacy, Yahoo! Groups records only your email address. You are not obliged to provide any other identifying information. Any information that you provide is displayed on the group website and can be accessed by other members of the PSN.
• CSHP National Office records all membership and PSN subscription information in its member database. A complete list of PSN members, with their contact information, is available upon request to the chair of that PSN, or their designate; this information is to be used for CSHP business only and will not be shared with members who are not part of the PSN Executive.
• All emails and any attachment(s) transmitted via the listserv are directed in confidence solely to the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. The information may not otherwise be distributed, copied, or disclosed.

How does my PSN create and maintain a web-page on the CSHP website?

• Contact the CSHP Web Administrator for details.

What is a Joint PSN?

• A Joint PSN is a PSN established between CSHP and another organization. For more information about Joint PSNs, contact the Coordinator, Professional & Membership Affairs.

Where do I find more information about PSNs?

• Refer to the PSN Guide.
• Contact the PSN Administrator.