Can I help you? A qualitative study of pharmacist and pharmacy assistant views on the role of pharmacy assistants in New Zealand

Abstract

Despite being able to describe a number of roles for PAs, these were highly variable. The lack of mandatory training and a clearly articulated role for PAs in New Zealand meant that in some cases PAs might be seen as little more than general retail assistants--a view not in line with their actual roles and practices. Attention to these issues may well help to resolve this, as will public education about the PA's role.

Expectations and responsibilities regarding the sale of complementary medicines in pharmacies: perspectives of consumers and pharmacy support staff

“…Female, [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Consumers expect pharmacists and pharmacy staff to have the knowledge to aid specific product selection based on their needs.…”

Could community pharmacies help to improve youth health? Service availability and views of pharmacy personnel in New Zealand

“…Differences in legal responsibility and in levels of training, and confidence regarding professional decision making may explain these findings. There is little literature available regarding the views of pharmacy personnel other than pharmacists towards youth, however, pharmacy technicians and assistants are likely to be the first and perhaps in some cases the only personnel member a customer may talk to in the pharmacy (Sheridan et al 2011). Therefore, their views and practices could have an important influence in youth healthcare access.…”

“…Therefore, their views and practices could have an important influence in youth healthcare access. Research investigating the role of PSS in NZ (Sheridan et al 2011) has highlighted their capacity as potential 'gate-keepers', not only in terms of accessing the pharmacist and pharmacy services but also perhaps the broader healthcare system in cases requiring referral. In this context, issues identified by research investigating decision making processes of GP receptionists (Offredy 2002) may also be relevant in the community pharmacy setting.…”

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“…52 In USA, chain pharmacies depend on technicians in medications filling and counting, prescription input, tech-check-tech and as cashiers. 7 In UK, they have ACT, this role allows technicians to check the accuracy of a dispensing clinically approved by the pharmacist, this position is invalid in USA.…”