Exploring Pharmacy Technician Roles in the Implementation of an Appointment-Based Medication Synchronization Program

Abstract

The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the role of pharmacy technicians in the implementation of an appointment-based model (ABM) medication synchronization program. The purposeful sampling of technicians working within six different locations of a supermarket chain pharmacy in Mississippi and Tennessee was carried out, and the technicians were interviewed between January and April 2018. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Questions gathered information around pharmacy technician demographics and CFIR domains (process, inner setting, outer setting and intervention characteristics). Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Two members of the research team performed thematic content analysis. Six full-time, certified pharmacy technicians with 8.3 ± 2.7 years of experience were interviewed. Findings suggest that including hands-on experience with program software is needed during training to successfully implement ABM. A barrier to implementation was the time needed to complete ABM tasks as compared to other tasks. Although some barriers exist regarding implementation, technicians believe that overall, this program has positive benefits for patients. Results from this study signify that ABM implementation can be challenging. Better ABM portal integration with the pharmacy patient profile and appropriate workforce budgeting are key to continued success.

Pharmacy Technicians Help to Push Boundaries in Delivering Quality Care

“…The tasks in which techniciansmight assume greatest responsibility include identifying patients for marketing and enrollment, reviewing patients’ medication lists, choosing alignment dates based on patient preference, contacting patients in preparation for dispensing, and engaging in pickup or delivery of medications. A second study employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to examine not only initial design, but the sustainability of med sync ABM services [ 6 ]. The study found that among pharmacy technicians engaged in helping coordinate and deliver these services, in an absence of proper planning for workflow and job redesign, that other tasks might sometimes get short shrift; however, they expressed confidence that minor system flaws can be adjudicated and expressed considerable enthusiasm for their role in helping patients.…”

A Review on Medication Synchronization Programs in Community Pharmacies to Improve Medication Adherence

“…Developing and implementing medication synchronization program can be quite challenging. [37][38][39][40][41]…”