Evaluating the Role of Pharmacy Technician-Administered Vaccines

Fuschetto, Kevin S.; Amin, Kunal A.; Gothard, M. Dave; Merico, Erin M.

doi:10.1177/08971900221117893

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…The trend of expanding the scope of practice among regulatory bodies in Canada, 32 driven by the pandemic, allows RPTs to take on additional roles such as administering vaccinations, and thus, enhancing pharmacy efficiencies. 33 , 34 RPTs in the healthcare team benefit pharmacies, especially as pharmacists’ scope of practice has also expanded in many provinces 35 , 36 with implications for public healthcare by relieving pressures in primary care settings. While this expansion shows promise, it will likely increase the workload for pharmacists.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unmasking the Unrecognized: Exploring Registered Pharmacy Technicians’ Stressors During COVID-19 Through a Demands-Resources Inquiry and Looking Ahead

Khan,

Dignos,

Papadopoulos

et al. 2024

INQUIRY

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Canadian registered pharmacy technicians (RPTs) were vital in supporting pharmacy operations during the pandemic. However, they have received little attention during or pre-pandemic. This study aimed to identify and understand the stressors experienced by Canadian RPTs during the pandemic and gain insights on lessons learned to help improve the profession. Through a descriptive qualitative design, virtual semi-structured focus groups were conducted with RPTs who were recruited through various sampling methods across Canada. Data were inductively analyzed and then deductively; themes were categorized using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. We reached data saturation after 4 focus group sessions with a total of 16 participants. As per the JD-R model, job demands included: (1) increased work volume and hours to meet patient demand; (2) drug shortages and managing prescriptions increased due to influx of orders coinciding with restricted access to medications; (3) fear of the unknown nature of COVID-19 met with frequent change in practices due to protocol changes and ineffective communication; and, (4) the pandemic introduced several factors leading to increased staff shortages. Themes pertaining to resources included: (1) poor incentives and limited access to well-being resources; (2) limited personal protective equipment delaying work operations; (3) and a general lack of knowledge or appreciation of the profession impacting work morale. Lessons learned from the pandemic were also provided. Overall, our findings revealed an imbalance where RPTs experienced high job demands with limited resources. Improved leadership within pharmacies, including improved communication between team members, is required. Furthermore, efforts to highlight and recognize the work of RPTs to the public is important to help improve enrollment, especially with their recent scope of practice expansion.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%