Exploring an enhanced role of the pharmacy technician in cancer services within the uk independent sector

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer services within the independent sector often operate with limited oncology pharmacists on site. This causes operational issues when leave occurs and can also limit overall capacity. While locum cover is a potential option, this often causes service disruption and negative patient experience due to lack of local knowledge. To tackle this issue, an enhanced pharmacy technician role was piloted.

Methods

An appropriate site and pharmacy technician were chosen based on key selection criteria. The selected pharmacy technician was then trained and accredited to manage all aspects of the oncology pharmacy service with the proviso that clinical tasks would be managed by a remote supporting oncology pharmacist. Feedback on the service from key stakeholders was collated and reviewed.

Results

The response to the pilot study was extremely positive, with pharmacy management reporting elimination of locum requirement, the pharmacy technician reporting significant improvement in job satisfaction, and nursing colleagues reporting significant improvement in workflow and patient experience when comparing the enhanced pharmacy technician role to prior experiences with locum cover. The new role also improved overall capacity during normal working hours when the incumbent oncology pharmacist was on site.

Conclusion

This study confirms the feasibility of the enhanced pharmacy technician role in enabling remote cover for a specialist service. It also provides a valuable professional development pathway for pharmacy technicians and has implications both internationally within oncology, and within other clinical specialty areas. Further research across multiple sites and specialties is warranted.