Background: The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) launched its “Kick the Carbon” strategy in 2021, aiming at reducing Green House Gases by 30% by 2025.
Objectives: In 2021, CHEO pharmacy collaborated with the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management Consulting team to develop its own eco-initiative plan aligned with CHEO’s eco-responsible strategy.
Methods: The project included internal and external survey methods conducted in spring 2022. The former focused on operations of CHEO’s pharmacy including interviews of interdisciplinary stakeholders and a sustainability engagement survey. The latter employed a literature search, an external key stakeholders’ interviews and an Ontario hospital pharmacy survey on eco-initiatives. Data analysis used various management tools such as Input/Output Workflow, SWOT, Force Field Analysis.
Results: The internal survey showed the main barriers to implementing green practices in hospital pharmacy were cost, complexity, and time, and that the three largest areas of waste were single use plastic, lack of awareness of green practices, and lights left on. The external survey showed that 94% of respondents had implemented fewer than 3 green practices in their workplace, with 64% implemented >2 years ago. Twenty-eight percent indicated these initiatives saved money, 26% had considered implementing eco-practices, and for 30% unevaluated programs was the main challenge. Seven pillars were identified as key for sustainability with implementing at least 3 for “green labelling”.
Conclusion: This interdisciplinary project highlights the need to further describe the Canadian hospital pharmacy landscape of eco-practices and to assess barriers and metrics for carbon footprint reduction. As such, our CHEO pharmacy team will conduct a REB approved National survey in winter 2023 to identify and evaluate hospital pharmacy past, current and future eco-initiatives, to assess knowledge and interest in this field, to develop a roadmap and to raise awareness for a better green transition of Canadian Hospital Pharmacies.
Purpose and criteria
This award recognizes a specific project, protocol, process, or initiative of importance to hospital pharmacy practice that was implemented in a hospital or healthcare facility. Programs or initiatives may involve departments from outside of pharmacy, such as interprofessional clinics (e.g., family care teams).
This award is granted to an individual or team that has successfully guided a group of pharmacy professionals to a higher, sustained level of performance. New in 2022: Given the rise in extreme weather events (and their consequent health impacts), submissions related to climate change may be given special consideration.
The project, protocol, process, or initiative described in the application must illustrate leadership in one or more the following ways:
- Inspiring a shared higher purpose and vision of pharmacy practice
- Leading with care, tending to the emotional well-being of others
- Respecting and encouraging diverse perspectives
- Encouraging creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, and accountability
- Forging strong, strategic relationships with stakeholders
- Exhibiting a commitment to high standards of integrity and responsibility in their work
- Actively listening to input from team members
- Other related qualities that may be considered during the selection process
Eligibility
This award is open to current Members and Individual Supporters of CSHP (including Pharmacists or Pharmacy Graduates, Pharmacy Technicians, Supporters, and Students) who have held membership since October 31 of the previous year. In the event of a team nomination, at least one team-member must meet eligibility requirements. Only one award will be granted in a given year; if there are no qualified candidates, the award will not be given.
About the award
The award will be presented in-person at CSHP's national conference. All award winners will receive a personalized framed certificate. One winner will receive complimentary conference registration and travel and accommodation to attend the event.
Award details
Award submissions will be adjudicated by the National Awards Committee. Assessment will be based solely on the information provided. In the event of a peer-nomination, additional details may be requested by the Awards Committee.
- Nominations due by October 31 (23:59 Pacific Time)
- Winners contacted in December
- Winners announced in January via website, email, and social media
Submission details
Submit an individual or team for consideration using this nomination form.
Please provide the following documents with your completed nomination form:
- A nomination letter (not exceeding 1000 words) which outlines the reasons that the nominated individual or team is recommended for consideration. The letter should describe how the work of the nominee (or team) meets the criteria for the award. You may nominate yourself or someone else for this award.
- At least two letters of support (not exceeding 300 words each) from individuals, other than the nominator (including contact information), who have first-hand knowledge of the accomplishments of the nominated individual or team. Letters should describe why the candidate(s) should receive the award. Letters of endorsement must be submitted by someone other than the primary applicant/nominee, such as a supervisor, a collaborator, or another member of the nominated team who may or may not be a CSHP member.
- Any supporting documentation to provide additional information about the project, protocol, process, or initiative. This may include print or online news articles, presentations, publications, certificates of achievement, CV, profile, or biography (please limit supporting documents to 4 pages each)
- In the event of a peer-nomination, additional details may be requested by the Awards Committee
Completed nominations may be returned to CSHP by mail, fax, or email.
Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
30 Concourse Gate, Unit 27, Ottawa ON K2E 7V7
Toll Free: 877-340-2756, ext. 222
Direct: 613-909-9964
Fax: 844-438-9397
E-mail: awards@cshp.ca
If you would like more information, please contact Robyn Rockwell, Membership and Awards Administrator, at rockwell@cshp.ca or (877) 340-2756, ext. 222.