An Information Paper on the Role of the Pharmacy Technician

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

CSHP endorses the concept of the direct patient care role of the pharmacist.1,2 One of the challenges to realizing this vision is providing pharmacists with the time to focus on direct patient care activities. An element required to achieve this is the increased utilization of pharmacy technicians in activities traditionally performed by pharmacists and/or in activities that directly support pharmacists providing direct patient care services. In some areas of Canada, a shortage of pharmacists has also sparked a review of expanded responsibility and authority for pharmacy technicians.