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A training programme giving pharmacy technicians the skills to perform the final accuracy checks on dispensed medicines has been launched.
The initiative has been designed to reflect the new skill mix in pharmacy as pharmacists take on more patient-facing roles, according to the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), which is behind the programme.
The training package — which will be delivered as guided e-learning — will be on offer only to technicians in Greater London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent who are being invited to register to take part in the rolling programme; a new cohort will start training every month.
Samantha Quaye, CPPE lead pharmacy technician launching the programme, said the training will also help develop technician leadership skills, adding: “Undertaking final accuracy checks of dispensed items is a significant responsibility for all pharmacy professionals.”
Tess Fenn, present of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, said: “The role of the accuracy-checking pharmacy technician can be seen across both the secondary and primary care sectors and, indeed, in many pharmacies it is now embedded.
“Expanding capacity through the delivery of good quality-assured and evaluated training is a positive way forward and serves to support the infrastructure changes that will enhance the role of pharmacists as clinicians.”
CPPE has also announced details of a new pilot leadership programme aimed at pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in acute and mental health trusts. The six-month course includes online modules and face-to-face workshops, and is restricted to applicants in eight districts. The programme will be rolled out nationally in February 2018.
