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Pharmacy Times
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Expanding horizons can take many forms for pharmacy techs
Pharmacy technicians are no longer confined to traditional roles within the pharmacy setting. With advancements in health care practices and a growing emphasis on optimizing patient care, pharmacy technicians are stepping into unique and specialized roles that extend beyond dispensing medications. These diverse roles not only showcase the versatility of pharmacy technicians but also underscore their invaluable contributions to the overall quality of health care services provided to patients. In many cases, unique roles like these are accompanied by promotions and increased salaries that reflect the expertise of the technicians.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
A growing role for pharmacy technicians is the community health worker, which extends their expertise beyond the pharmacy walls to directly engage with communities. In this capacity, technicians collaborate with health care providers and community organizations to promote health education, disease prevention, and wellness initiatives. They may conduct outreach programs, provide medication management support, offer health screenings, and facilitate access to health care services for underserved populations. By serving as trusted liaisons between health care providers and communities, pharmacy technicians working as community health workers play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes, fostering preventive care, and addressing health care disparities at the grassroots level.
Ryan Burke, PharmD, is the director of professional affairs for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, where he is a liaison to state and national pharmacy associations, state boards of pharmacy, and pharmacy technician organizations.
Three of the 5 pharmacy technicians at Wester Drug in Iowa are cross-trained as community health workers. Each technician completed a 16-week course, which required them to create a resource binder and connect with 30 community members who can provide necessary services to patients.
The network of resources built during their training course is a key component to their success, according to Michelle L. Garvin, MA, CRC, CPhT, vice president and owner of Wester Drug. These close connections allow the technicians to leap into action when a patient has an identified need.
“Recently, we discovered that one of our patients lost Medicaid coverage for a month, which was extremely dangerous due to the unaffordable out-of-pocket cost of his diabetes medication. We referred him to Muscatine County Community Services to provide financial assistance so there wouldn’t be an interruption of treatment,” Garvin said. “In many cases, pharmacy technicians have been doing this type of work for years, but our community health workers take it a step further—not just finding financial assistance for medications but offering a more comprehensive approach to optimize patient care.”
MEDICATION THERAPY MANAGEMENT
Another distinctive role pharmacy technicians are embracing is medication therapy management (MTM). In this capacity, technicians work closely with pharmacists and health care providers to ensure patients receive optimal medication regimens tailored to their specific needs. This involves conducting medication histories, flagging potential drug-drug interactions or discrepancies, and managing MTM-related billing. By actively participating in MTM programs, pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in enhancing medication adherence, reducing medication errors, and improving patient outcomes.
SPECIALTY PHARMACY
Specialty pharmacy services offer yet another innovative avenue for technicians. As the demand for specialty medications continues to rise, technicians are increasingly involved in managing these complex therapies. This includes tasks such as coordinating medication shipments, assisting patients with prior authorizations, and providing ongoing support and education regarding specialty medications. By specializing in this niche area, pharmacy technicians contribute to the seamless delivery of specialized care and ensure that patients receive the specialized medications they need.
At the main campus of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, pharmacy technicians serve as patient-specific procurement coordinators. They handle a select 300 patients monthly, ensuring access to unique medication therapies. Their work includes the entire lifecycle—procuring medications, supporting financial navigators, and coordinating with pharmacists, nurses, and physicians for proper delivery. Given the sporadic nature of treatments such as enzyme therapies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, automation is not always feasible. This is where these dedicated technicians play a crucial role.
Matthew Hoover, PharmD, MBA, MS, BCCCP, BCPS, Cleveland Clinic’s director of pharmacy procurement and logistics, said, “This advanced role is vital for our pharmacy’s efficiency. Our coordinators are innovative problem-solvers, ensuring our patients get the care they need.”
TELEPHARMACY
Telepharmacy represents yet another unique role for pharmacy technicians, particularly in rural or underserved communities. Through telepharmacy platforms, technicians can remotely support pharmacists in medication dispensing, patient counseling coordination, and medication management. This innovative approach expands access to pharmacy services in areas with limited resources while leveraging technology to improve patient care outcomes. Pharmacy technicians involved in telepharmacy demonstrate adaptability and effectiveness in delivering pharmacy services beyond traditional brick-and-mortar settings.
The evolving roles of pharmacy technicians reflect the dynamic nature of the health care landscape and the expanding opportunities for professional growth and development. Pharmacy technicians are no longer confined to traditional roles but are actively engaged in a diverse range of unique and specialized functions within the health care industry. From MTM to specialty pharmacy services, telepharmacy, compounding, and public health initiatives, pharmacy technicians continue to demonstrate their value as essential members of the health care team. Their dedication to innovation, patient-centered care, and professional excellence paves the way for continued advancement and impact in the field of pharmacy practice.
