TORONTO — McKesson Canada pharmacies have partnered with The Arthritis Society to introduce a pain management program in their communities for Canadians with arthritis.

Plans call for participating Guardian, I.D.A., Proxim and Medicine Shoppe pharmacies to roll out the program this fall under the diem therapeutic brand, McKesson Canada and The Arthritis Society said Tuesday.

Specially trained and certified pharmacists will offer diem-branded bundles of professional services, such as tailored consultations, plus companion products to arthritis patients, enabling them to access comprehensive support to optimize their drug therapies and minimize side effects.

“Pharmacy in Canada is undergoing a major transformation, as provincial governments expand the scope of professional services that pharmacists can offer and shift patient care into community settings,” Dale Weil, interim senior vice president of retail banner management services at McKesson Canada, said in a statement. “Through our network of 1,350 stores from coast to coast to coast, Guardian, I.D.A., Proxim and Medicine Shoppe pharmacists are responding to the growing needs of Canadians living with chronic disease and complex medical conditions by providing customized patient care.”

The Arthritis Society said the pain management program for arthritis patients, including those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is expected to be in place in Guardian, I.D.A., Proxim and the Medicine Shoppe pharmacies nationwide within a year.

“This new initiative will make a true difference in the lives of Canadians living with arthritis by giving them increased access to professional, qualified care down the street and across the counter,” stated Janet Yale, president and chief executive officer of The Arthritis Society. “By increasing the convenience and ease with which Canadians can receive specialized counsel, this program will help those with arthritis get the help they need to live with less pain and greater independence.”

Designed by The Arthritis Society, the training and certification program for pharmacists will consist of a specialized online program dedicated to arthritis pain management. Additional levels of certification will also be available for those who wish to pursue further training on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The program, to be available exclusively at McKesson Canada pharmacy banners for one year, has been accredited by the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP).

An estimated 4.6 million Canadians live with arthritis, and that number is projected to rise to 7.5 million by 2036.

“Customized patient care is at the heart of the programs and services we offer,” according to Guardian pharmacist Jim Snowdon. “Thanks to this unique diem pain management offering, Canadians living with arthritis will be able to obtain holistic therapeutic support from their neighborhood Guardian, I.D.A., Proxim and Medicine Shoppe pharmacist.”