Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Pharmacy technicians supporting clinical functions

2005; Oxford University Press; Volume: 62; Issue: 23 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2146/ajhp050101

1535-2900

E. W. G. Weber, Charley A. Hepfinger, Randy Koontz, Lezlie Cohn-Oswald,

Medication Adherence and Compliance

Q : Our health system is considering expanding the role of pharmacy technicians into clinical areas to help increase the efficiency of our pharmacists. Information on any similar efforts would help us to decide whether and how to proceed. A: At our Veterans Affairs medical center, we have successfully used clinical pharmacy technicians to maximize the efficiency of our pharmacist resources.1 This program was initially modeled after the program implemented at the North Mississippi Medical Center.2 Our program began in 1998 with the hiring of two clinical pharmacy technicians (one each for inpatient and ambulatory care services). In 2000 we hired four more technicians for assignment within the ambulatory care clinics. On completion of a probation period and competency assessment, technicians receive a grade increase and higher compensation. Clinical pharmacy technicians are responsible for nearly all the operational activities of the centralized anticoagulation clinic (2300 patients) and practice under the oversight of a pharmacist. This arrangement has allowed the anticoagulation pharmacist on duty to focus on direct patient care and discussions with physicians. Each day, the technician generates International Normalized Ratio (INR) reports for review by the pharmacist and maintains patient records. After review by the pharmacist, the technician telephones patients requiring a dosage modification and documents each contact with an electronic progress note. During each patient contact, the technician inquires about potential adverse effects, assesses medication adherence, and provides education through the use of scripted questions. The pharmacist reviews and cosigns the technician’s notes.