Abstract
Studies have found that expanded pharmacy technician roles can help "free up" pharmacist time, leading to role optimization. However, these studies and the positions taken by many are quite pharmacist-centric. We seem to have underestimated the importance of support staff in pharmacy operations. If research demonstrates that technicians can perform a function safely and effectively, that alone should compel the function's allowance in practice. Freeing up pharmacist time for higher-order care is a positive corollary to technician advancement, but it need not be a precondition for it.
Keywords:
law; legal/regulatory issues; pharmaceutical care; teaching/training; technician education training.
MeSH terms
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Attitude of Health Personnel
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Clinical Competence / standards
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Clinical Competence / statistics & numerical data
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Education, Pharmacy / legislation & jurisprudence
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Education, Pharmacy / standards
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Humans
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Interpersonal Relations
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Pharmaceutical Services* / legislation & jurisprudence
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Pharmaceutical Services* / organization & administration
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Pharmaceutical Services* / standards
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Pharmaceutical Services* / statistics & numerical data
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Pharmacies / statistics & numerical data
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Pharmacists / legislation & jurisprudence
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Pharmacists / psychology
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Pharmacists / statistics & numerical data
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Pharmacy Service, Hospital / legislation & jurisprudence
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Pharmacy Service, Hospital / standards
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Pharmacy Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
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Pharmacy Technicians* / education
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Pharmacy Technicians* / legislation & jurisprudence
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Pharmacy Technicians* / psychology
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Pharmacy Technicians* / statistics & numerical data
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Professional Practice / legislation & jurisprudence
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Professional Practice / standards
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Professional Practice / statistics & numerical data
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Professional Role* / psychology