Pharmacist Vs Pharmacy Technician Essay

Imagine a healthcare system in which pharmaceutical health professionals are utilized to their full potential. One that provides efficient patient centered care from every aspect of diagnosis and treatment; one that empowers pharmacists as well as technicians to create a dramatic positive impact on the lives of each patient; and one that gives patients the best possible path for improved health. Is this even possible? Is it even be reasonable to assume a system that provides this type of care would attainable through the expansion of the roles within the pharmacy community? The current duties between the pharmacist and pharmacy technician often overlap which hinders their ability to provide an adequate patient centered environment, oftentimes resulting in under-utilization of both roles. Many of the duties that would promote and enable improved health of the patient are often negated because of the limits that have be placed on their role
responsibilities. This compromises their ability to directly influence and control outcomes of managed care. To provide care that creates improved outcomes, it would be paramount that the role of technicians be expanded. It is also the concord of healthcare providers nationwide to approach patient care as a team. Expansion of technician roles would allow pharmacists to provide individualized and personalized care to each patient. According to a recent editorial published by the Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice, when pharmacists are included in patient care plans, results are improved (Benavides & Rambaran, 2013). This is not just limited to patient recovery. Studies have indicated fewer errors had occurred; there was a decrease repeat admissions; as well as cost reductions (Benavides & Rambaran, 2013). Overall efficiency of services and better patience experiences can be achieved. Clearly, transferring certain duties from the pharmacist to the technician would enable these benefits to increase all of which are align with current Triple Aim goals. Although the positive impacts are excitingly great, downsides must also be considered when developing a system that would provide the best outcomes. One hurdle to overcome in revamping a program of this magnitude would be developing and implementing new procedures, policies, and continuity throughout the pharmacy community.
It would also be necessary to update and incorporate new standards of practice, care plans and training to ensure consistency exists in the pharmacy healthcare discipline. This will require time as well as continued adjustment to reach desired performance. Furthermore, education requirements currently in place for technicians must be addressed. As indicated in an article published in the American Journal of Health Systems Pharmacy, studies indicate technicians perform as well as pharmacists in many of the suggested duties that could be changed, however expanding the responsibilities of technicians will entail development of standardized educational and licensing requirements for technicians as well as quality assurance programs (Myers, 2011). While these aspects may seem daunting, the value added by this shift can no longer be
overlooked. While there are many facets of this issue to consider, expanding the role of technicians should be implemented. It seems both pharmacists and technicians are the missing link to fully provide patient centered care. This transition will have a positive impact on disease management, patient centered care, and overall healthcare expenses. Although disadvantages are present, these can be addressed or resolved to maintain continued benefits. With appropriate design and standardization, this transition would provide tremendous improvement in nearly all areas of a true patient centered system.