The MAPflow Story

With nearly two decades of experience in teaching, research, policy work, and her service on the Minor Ailments Advisory Group (MAAG), Nardine recognized a critical need within Ontario’s unique approach to minor ailment services: a customized solution that empowers pharmacists to deliver comprehensive, individualized care that is compliant with provincial regulations and requirements. This insight sparked the journey to bridge gaps in pharmacy practice and patient care across the province, ensuring both students and pharmacists feel equipped to deliver these services with confidence and competence. 

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When Nardine shared her vision with her team, they saw an opportunity to do better—creating a platform that not only addresses presenting symptoms but also promotes holistic care through self-care pillars (e.g., healthy eating, risk mitigation, and physical activity) while managing underlying causes. Determined to set a new standard, they wanted to build a tool that pharmacists could confidently rely on, one that would provide evidence-based care to drive optimal patient outcomes, ensure compliance with local regulations, and be audit-ready—ultimately becoming the gold standard in minor ailment services.

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This vision led to the creation of MAPflow. The name "MAPflow" stands for Minor Ailment Prescribing and embodies the concept of "flow"—a state of complete immersion in an activity that is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Designed to optimize workflows and help pharmacists achieve a state of "flow"—where they feel productive, focused, and engaged in their daily tasks—the platform represents a shift in how minor ailments are managed. 

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Amid a healthcare system in crisis, the urgency of our mission became clear. Built by pharmacists for pharmacists, MAPflow was launched to help Ontario pharmacists adapt quickly to new regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2023. Since then, it has gradually expanded into other Canadian provinces, tailoring each algorithm to meet the unique regulations and requirements of each region. Throughout the roll-out, MAPflow consistently ensured compliance with local policies, regulations, and standards of practice, empowering pharmacists to deliver safer, more effective care plans for managing ailments. The outcomes of every consultation are tracked, ensuring that care plans lead to tangible improvements in patient health. 

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Today, MAPflow supports pharmacists across Canada, adhering to the regulations and standards of practice set by the provincial governments, regulatory colleges, Ministries of Health, and the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). We proudly stand by pharmacy professionals and patients from coast to coast, offering province-specific algorithms that meet the diverse regulatory needs across seven provinces. With plans to expand into all remaining Canadian jurisdictions, the United States and the United Kingdom, MAPflow is equipped to continue empowering pharmacy professionals with the tools and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare industry.