Impact of an expanded ward pharmacy technician role on service-delivery and workforce outcomes in a subacute aged care service

Abstract

Background: Ward pharmacy technicians (WITs) support hospital pharmacists In the provision of clinical pharmacy services, however they are under-utilised in Australia. Aim: To evaluate the impact of an expanded WIT role within a 56-bed subacute aged care inpatient service. Method: The expanded WPT role included increased hours (from approximately 15.2 to 38 h/weck) and an expanded scope of practice. WPT tasks included: assisting with individual patient medication supply, screening medication charts for changes, assisting with medication reconciliation and recording laboratory data for review by the pharmacist. The impact of the redesigned role on workforce and service-delivery outcomes was e..