Hospital Pharmacy Technician Qualifications

O’Leary, Karen

doi:10.1002/j.2055-2335.2005.tb00356.x

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

(3 reference statements)

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“…As the role of HPTs supporting clinical pharmacy services has only recently been described and defined, we did not expect such a high number of HPTs to be involved in supporting clinical pharmacy services. 3,4 The SHPA Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy note that 'Technicians undertaking clinical pharmacy support roles must undergo a documented education and training program that details the specific responsibilities of the technician and activities that cannot be performed'. 5 The current Certificates III and IV are insufficient training for this role.…”

Section: Number Of Respondentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[1][2][3] This was the topic of a recent editorial and the role of HPT in supporting clinical pharmacy activities has been described in the recent SHPA Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy. 4,5 A survey of hospital pharmacy services in 2003 showed that across Australia HPTs spend 85% of their time on distribution services and 7.5% of their time on both management services and supporting clinical pharmacy services. 6 This same survey showed that in Victoria (where more than 25% of HPTs are employed) the percentage of time spent on distribution services was slightly lower at 76%-11% spent on management services and 13% on supporting clinical pharmacy services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey

O’Leary

Harding

Rocca

2006

Pharmacy Practice and Res

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Aim:To collect data to assist in the preparation of a revised enterprise bargaining agreement and award for Victorian hospital pharmacy technicians. Method: An electronic questionnaire was sent to a representative at each hospital pharmacy service in Victoria who then circulated the questionnaire within their department for completion by every person employed as a hospital pharmacy technician. Results: The survey confirmed that Victorian hospital pharmacy technicians undertake an extensive range of activities. Findings of note included: 28% had more than 10 years experience as a hospital pharmacy technician; 24% had less than 2 years experience; 32% had, or were undertaking Certificate III or IV in Health Service Assistance qualifications. Respondents working in hospitals with less than 200 beds were more likely to have Certificate III in Health Service Assistance qualifications. 47% of the 126 respondents indicated that they support clinical pharmacy activities as part of their day-to-day activities. 76% were paid award rates. Technicians paid above award rates had the following characteristics: more than 5 years experience; Certificate III or IV in Health Service Assistance qualifications; employed as grade 2 technicians; work in metropolitan hospitals and work in hospitals with less than 200 beds. 40% were involved in supporting clinical pharmacy and 40% undertook management activities. Respondents estimated that in total they spent 80% of their time on distribution services; 9% of their time on management services and 10% supporting clinical pharmacy services. Conclusion: This survey demonstrated that in Victoria there is a disconnection between the work performed by hospital pharmacy technicians, their qualifications and their remuneration. It is hoped that a revised enterprise bargaining agreement and award will provide incentives and a career structure that encourages many to pursue formal qualifications. J Pharm Pract Res 2006; 36: 32-4. INTRODUCTIONThe role of hospital pharmacy technicians (HPTs) has been evolving over the last 30 years.

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Section: Number Of Respondentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey

O’Leary

Harding

Rocca

2006

Pharmacy Practice and Res

Self Cite

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“…Changes to service delivery and the services delivered by hospital pharmacies have driven the evolution of the activities undertaken by HPT. [1][2][3] In particular, an increased demand for clinical pharmacy services and the introduction of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to the public hospital sector.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…5 These revised qualifications in the HLT07 Health Training Package (Certificate III and Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support) released in 2006, better reflected contemporary hospital pharmacy practice. 1,6 The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&HISC) is responsible for developing and managing the HLT07 Health Training Package. The timetabled approach to the review of this training package was recently changed to a continuous improvement model.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Two National Surveys of Hospital Pharmacy Technician Activities to Support the Review of National Qualifications

O’Leary

2012

Pharmacy Practice and Res

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Aim To explore if the 2006 Certificates III and IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support qualifications meet workplace requirements and to make recommendations on the changes needed so that the qualifications meet workplace requirements. Method 2 national web‐based surveys were undertaken of Australian hospital pharmacy technicians/assistants (HPT) and hospital pharmacy managers. Results Distribution activities are the core business of the majority of HPT. A minority undertake extemporaneous compounding or support clinical pharmacy activities, which are considered advanced practice activities and covered in the Certificate IV qualification. Most of the 10 management activities undertaken by HPT are not supported by the current qualifications. The number of HPT performing these activities highlights a gap in the current qualifications. Conclusion The day‐to‐day activities undertaken by HPT validates the need for, the content of and competencies obtained via the Certificates III and IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support. There is room to improve the content and relevance of both qualifications.

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Hospital Pharmacy Technician Qualifications

Cited by 2 publications

References 4 publications

Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey

Victorian Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce Survey

Two National Surveys of Hospital Pharmacy Technician Activities to Support the Review of National Qualifications

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