Pharmacy Technicians “Most Ideal” for Advanced Clinical Support Tasks

Pharmacy technicians who are older, committed to their job, and skilled in patient care may be best suited to shift into community pharmacy roles with more advanced clinical support tasks, according to a study published online in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. 

“The analysis identified those who might be selected first by organizations for taking up emerging roles,” researchers wrote, “particularly more clinically oriented tasks.”

The study was based on survey data from a random sample of 128 pharmacy technicians who worked in community pharmacies across the United States. Researchers performed a two-step cluster analysis with current involvement, self-efficacy, and attitude toward advanced clinical support tasks as variables.

Most of the respondents were women and worked for large pharmacy organizations, including chain, discount, mass merchandiser, and grocery store pharmacies. The average age of respondents was 36, and technician experience averaged 7 years.

The respondents formed four clusters. Technician self-efficacy, attitude, and current and desired involvement in clinical support tasks differed significantly among clusters.

“Twenty-one percent were stratified as ‘most ideal’ technicians prepared to engage in advanced clinical support tasks and emerging roles,” researchers wrote. “These technicians were the oldest in age and had the highest patient care score, and most were highly committed to remaining a technician.”

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference

Moya A, Unni E, Montuoro J, Desselle SP. Engaging pharmacy technicians for advanced clinical support tasks in community pharmacies: A cluster analysis [published online May 16, 2019]. J Am Pharma Assoc