Every day, Canadians use easily-accessible nonprescription products in an effort to manage symptoms, self-treat minor ailments and improve their general health. A knowledgeable pharmacy professional can help ensure that these products are used wisely and appropriately.

Reliable, research-backed information on over the counter (OTC) products can be hard to come by. That's why the producers of eCortex.ca , Pharmacy U, and Pharmacy Practice+Business have worked with some of the most respected experts in health education to develop this much-needed curriculum based on the science behind the use of OTC products for a number of common indications. We asked pharmacists which OTC-related topics they would most like to have more education and information on and we've planned this curriculum based on your requests. 1

1. 2024 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations

eCortex has delivered accredited education for over 9 years, connecting world-renowned educators with Canadian healthcare changemakers, like you. We have been there to SPARK ideas, SPARK action, and SPARK change.

The past three years have highlighted the resilience, heart, and impact of our Canadian healthcare community. And this pandemic has irrevocably changed how you practice.

Patients have become increasingly aware of and invested in preventive care. And they have questions, including those on nonprescription options.

The time is now to SPARK confidence across all areas in your daily practice. This year, with the support of Pharmacy U and Pharmacy Practice + Business, eCortex is going LIVE with OTC Spark. We’re here to empower you to confidently counsel patients on crucial nonprescription product categories. Join us to meet the world-leaders in OTC education and reconnect with your Canadian healthcare community. Because together, powered with the right information, we can SPARK anything.

Learn

Good patient care is more than just prescriptions & support in a healthcare setting. Patients also rely on their health teams to answer questions about their self-care needs. On September 21st, you'll learn how to empower safe & effective OTC usage and better answer common patient questions.

Connect

At OTC Spark you will connect with top pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare practitioners from across the country. It's time for us to come together to SPARK the future of OTC counselling in Canada.

Prepare

Get actionable insights from industry leaders that you can start implementing in your daily practice. Be prepared and confident when patients ask you about nonprescription medications.

Enjoy

OTC Spark is a one-of-a-kind event, hosted on a platform that supports an engaging experience for attendees. This event will include virtual conferencing and networking on a custom floor plan designed to put you in the centre of the action.

Good patient care goes beyond prescriptions. Patients also rely on their health teams to answer questions about their self-care needs. Join hundreds of pharmacists, physicians, and nurses from across Canada to learn about the safe and effective use of OTC products. Subject experts will host research-based educational sessions on the topics you told us you wanted to learn more about. 

eCortex is Canada's foremost accredited education platform for healthcare professionals. It is the premier destination for individuals striving to better support their patients.

Now, we’re happy to announce that we’re partnering with the Annual #1 OTC Recommended Brand and Market Survey–an industry indicator that has tracked pharmacist and physician counselling patterns for OTC products for 29 and 15 years, respectively. 

Additionally, the educational content is further supported by the leading magazine in Canada for pharmacists (Pharmacy Practice + Business) and its online home, CanadianHealthcareNetwork.ca.