Pharmacy technicians in the community are keen to expand their role but are leaving the sector because they are dissatisfied and feel their skills, training and experience aren’t being fully utilised. So said Tess Fenn, president of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians (APTUK) at the Sigma Conference.

Referring to research carried out by APTUK and the University of East Anglia, published in October, Ms Fenn said that 88 per cent of community pharmacy technicians wanted to develop their role. However, she also pointed out that a high percentage of technicians are due to retire soon and questioned whether enough are being trained.

Technicians see pharmacists’ unwillingness to relinquish responsibilities and a lack of understanding of their role and skill set as barriers to career development. Facilitators include a management culture keen to embrace technician-led services and support from pharmacists, managers and other staff.

“It is important that pharmacists and technicians trust and have confidence in each other. Pharmacy technicians are a willing workforce and it is important that the whole pharmacy team is upskilled to provide pharmacy services in the future and integrated care,” said Ms Fenn.

It is important that pharmacists and technicians have confidence in each other