In this Article
By: Anna Giorgi
Professional insights: Zachary Green
In the dynamic healthcare industry, technology is crucial to every aspect of patient care, including pharmacy services. To succeed as a pharmacy technician, you must understand how technology influences the field and be willing to master the skills needed to use digital tools in your daily tasks. As pharmacies become more automated and data-driven, pharmacy technicians have more opportunities to explore ways to use technology to improve patient safety, accuracy and efficiency in their roles.
How technology fits in
Pharmacy technicians work on the front lines of medication management. They support pharmacists and healthcare professionals in delivering safe and effective prescribed treatments. While the applications can vary by pharmacy and work environment, technology plays a critical role in the way pharmacy technicians meet these responsibilities.
“Technology is central to the work of pharmacy technicians. Technicians use systems for order entry and prescription processing, inventory management and insurance billing,” said Zachary Green, CPhT, Director of Professional Affairs at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and Director of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC).
For pharmacy technicians, technology offers advancements that support the delivery of safer, faster and more efficient patient care. Whether used in limited or large-scale applications, technology can benefit pharmacy technicians in all types of work environments:
To succeed as a pharmacy technician, you will need foundational digital knowledge and skills. “Essential computer skills include proficiency with Windows-based systems, database navigation, barcode scanning systems and electronic health records. Many pharmacies also use automated dispensing systems, robotic filling equipment and telepharmacy platforms that require technical competency,” Green said.
Common uses of technology
Technology supports pharmacy technicians in different ways by helping them work more efficiently, accurately and safely. Here is how technology integrates into their roles:
Automated dispensing machines
Automated dispensing machines precisely count, package and label medications. While they have applications in any pharmacy environment, hospitals and other clinical settings use them the most. These systems allow physicians, nurses and other authorized healthcare professionals to access the automated dispensing system, enter the patient’s information and medication order and receive the requested medication to administer to the patient.
In hospitals, the healthcare professional who accesses the medication is responsible for ensuring that the correct medication is administered to the correct patient at the correct dosage. At a community pharmacy setting, a pharmacy technician may be responsible for ensuring accuracy before the prescription is dispensed to a patient.
In any pharmacy environment, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for maintaining the equipment, loading prescription drugs, monitoring inventory levels, restocking medications as needed and resolving minor problems.
Electronic health records (EHRs)
Healthcare professionals use EHRs to store and exchange patient data such as prescription drugs, allergies and medical conditions. Accessing EHRs allows pharmacy technicians to view a patient’s most recent health and medication information for potential drug interactions or allergic reactions before they fill the prescription.
Using EHRs also helps pharmacy technicians communicate more efficiently with a patient’s medical staff. This ease of collaboration lets pharmacy technicians verify prescription accuracy and effectiveness when questions arise.
Medication management software
Medication management software can help pharmacy technicians streamline critical everyday tasks. They often use this type of software to track medication inventory and avoid shortages. It can also alert pharmacy technicians when a submitted prescription is missing critical details, such as the dosage or a patient’s allergy information.
Medication management software can identify problems such as potential interactions or allergy warnings so they can be addressed before the prescription is filled. Often combined with barcode scanning systems, medication management software can track medication through the pharmacy system, from order to dispensing to delivery. This level of review can be critical for pharmacy technicians whose daily responsibilities require vigilance and accuracy while meeting the demands of their multitasking roles.
Telepharmacy and remote services
The growth of telemedicine has impacted pharmacy practice. Pharmacy technicians provide telepharmacy services in underprivileged or rural areas by managing prescriptions locally and working remotely with pharmacists. They might also help patients by monitoring prescription refills or responding to inquiries about medications via digital communication tools.
Patient communication tools
Pharmacy technicians communicate with patients using mobile apps, text messaging and email to facilitate and manage patient interactions in a secure environment. This communication can involve automated or real-time messaging related to issues such as refill reminders and prescription ready notifications. Pharmacy technicians may also use these tools to inform patients about problems related to insurance coverage, inventory shortages or physician-ordered substitutions.
Pharmacy technicians also use these tools to provide important educational information. This is especially true for patients who utilize home delivery and miss the opportunity to interact with a pharmacy technician. When needed, pharmacy technicians use patient communication tools to send customized patient messages, such as the need to contact their healthcare provider to resolve an issue in filling their prescription.
Regulatory compliance software
Regulatory compliance software makes it easier for pharmacy technicians to ensure they follow the law and professional standards. These systems provide a way to stay current with regulatory requirements and educational guidelines. They can also include a framework for standardizing daily procedures. By introducing technology into these crucial aspects of medication dispensing, this type of software provides ongoing quality improvement and audits.
Using technology to succeed
Pharmacy technicians who prepare for the challenges and opportunities that technology offers can succeed as digital tools change their roles and responsibilities. You can position yourself for professional success by embracing opportunities to develop and maintain digital skills.
You can begin the process during your search for an educational program. Many pharmacy technician programs offer technology-focused courses that involve software programs, pharmacy informatics and EHR systems. They often include simulation labs that replicate pharmaceutical settings and digital tools. Pursuing externships in contemporary pharmacy environments can help prepare you for the digital tools you will encounter in the workplace.
Other skills to develop along the way
In addition to technical competence, you should also focus on developing the following skills to help you meet the current and evolving digital responsibilities as a pharmacy technician:
Computer literacy:
It is essential that you become comfortable and confident dealing with software systems and databases daily. Take advantage of opportunities to work with all types of digital tools both inside and outside the workplace.
Attention to detail:
While digital tools reduce human error, they are not flawless. When working with automated and digitized systems, you will have to develop different ways to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Adaptability:
As new tools and platforms are introduced, you must remain committed to learning new skills and procedures to support professional growth and provide the best possible pharmacy services. Investigate specialty certifications and formal educational programs to develop expertise in areas applicable to your responsibilities and goals.
Communication skills:
While technology can facilitate interactions with patients and healthcare professionals, they can’t replace the human aspect of pharmacy services. When using technology, you must work to find ways to use digital tools to build trust and rapport with patients and healthcare professionals.
Parting words
Working as a pharmacy technician means working in a field in which technology is a transformative tool. However, it does not reduce or replace the core role of pharmacy technicians.
“Remember that as a pharmacy technician, you’re an integral part of the healthcare team. Every prescription you process accurately and every patient interaction you handle professionally contributes directly to patient safety and health outcomes. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding work that makes a real difference in people’s lives,” Green said.
