Economic benefits of pharmacy technicians practicing at advanced scope: A systematic review

Banks, Vivien; Barras, Michael; Snoswell, Centaine L.

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.01.007

Cited by 16 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…In our survey, respondents noted that expansion of HPT roles could free up clinical pharmacists and may facilitate increased involvement in pharmacist‐role expansion activities. A systematic review of time and cost savings of HPTs undertaking advanced scope roles demonstrated up to $88 719.89 AUD in annual cost savings and 11 of 16 studies demonstrated time savings, consistent with the views of our survey respondents 12 . Such time savings could potentially facilitate pharmacists' involvement in evidence‐based advance scope roles which have shown favourable outcomes 13–16 …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 77%

Perceptions of hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians towards expanding roles for hospital pharmacy technicians: a cross‐sectional survey

Anderson

Carroll

Taylor

et al. 2020

Pharmacy Practice and Res

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Background The “Pharmacy Technician and Assistant Role Redesign within Australian Hospitals Project” outcomes were released in November 2016. Aim To assess pharmacy staff attitudes towards expanded hospital pharmacy technician (HPT) roles in a Victorian metropolitan teaching hospital. Method An electronic questionnaire circulated to all pharmacists, interns and HPTs remained open for 4 weeks during September 2018. Questions focused on three key domains: HPT involvement in final accuracy checking of inpatient supplies and manufactured items, drugs of addiction (DA) management and clinical support roles. The hospital's Office for Research deemed the study a quality improvement activity. Results The questionnaire was undertaken by 61 of 122 (50%) pharmacy staff. Fewer than 10% of respondents believed that HPTs are adequately used in current practice. Final accuracy checking technicians for inpatient medication supplies was supported by 82% of respondents. HPTs signing entries into dispensary DA registers for discharge and outpatient prescriptions was supported by 81% of respondents. Best possible medication history taking conducted by an HPT was supported by 52% of respondents, but support differed between pharmacists and HPTs, with 38 and 92% supportive, respectively (p < 0.01). Forty percent of respondents supported HPT involvement in patient medication counselling. Key themes identified from qualitative data included: the need for clarification of legal and indemnity issues, training and credentialing and professional attributes for expanded HPT roles. Conclusion These findings are informing HPT role expansion within the pharmacy department and have identified potential barriers to change. Such findings may be useful to pharmacy departments undertaking similar role redesign work.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 77%

Perceptions of hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians towards expanding roles for hospital pharmacy technicians: a cross‐sectional survey

Anderson

Carroll

Taylor

et al. 2020

Pharmacy Practice and Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This is perhaps why, that in spite of the clear economic advantages to job repurposing and the advances made in actuating patient-centric services, there still remain momentous gaps between what is currently taking place versus what is achievable. 34 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing point-of-care testing through standardized training and redeployment of pharmacy technicians in the community setting

Pope¹,

Hill²,

Cardosi³

et al. 2021

Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy

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“…These learning activities could then feed into longer-term projects such as the development of a career pathway for pharmacy support staff with credentials and expertise in providing evidence-based advice regarding complementary medicines. These activities build on the recognition of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy support staff in providing health information within community pharmacy, and the increasing opportunities for training and support for advanced roles [ 33 – 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving pharmacy practice in relation to complementary medicines: a qualitative study evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of a new ethical framework in Australia

2021

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Background There is a need for clearer guidance for pharmacists regarding their responsibilities when selling complementary medicines. A recently published ethical framework provides guidance regarding the specific responsibilities that pharmacists need to meet in order to fulfil their professional obligations and make a positive contribution to health outcomes when selling complementary medicines. Objective Evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a new ethical framework for the sale of complementary medicines in community pharmacy. Methods Australian community pharmacists were invited to participate in online focus groups and interviews. Participants were recruited via multiple methods, including social media and the professional networks of pharmacy groups. Participants were provided the ethical framework prior to the discussion. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Seventeen community pharmacists participated in the study (11 in 4 focus groups and 6 in individual interviews). There was good representation among participants in terms of gender, years of practice, pharmacy location and script volume. Participants differed in how proactive they were in relation to selling and providing advice on complementary medicines, how they interpreted evidence in relation to complementary medicines, and how they navigated their practice within the retail environment of community pharmacy. The majority of participants found the framework was acceptable for practice and was feasible for implementation with targeted support. Participants identified two important areas for targeted support in implementing the framework: improved access to evidence-based information resources on complementary medicines and independent evidence-based education and training on complementary medicine for pharmacists and pharmacy support staff. Conclusion The ethical framework addresses an important gap in providing specific professional guidance to pharmacists when selling complementary medicines. The results of the study suggest that the framework may be acceptable to community pharmacists and be feasible to implement with targeted support.

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Economic benefits of pharmacy technicians practicing at advanced scope: A systematic review

Cited by 16 publications

References 30 publications

Perceptions of hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians towards expanding roles for hospital pharmacy technicians: a cross‐sectional survey

Perceptions of hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians towards expanding roles for hospital pharmacy technicians: a cross‐sectional survey

Enhancing point-of-care testing through standardized training and redeployment of pharmacy technicians in the community setting

Improving pharmacy practice in relation to complementary medicines: a qualitative study evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of a new ethical framework in Australia

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