Engaging pharmacy technicians for advanced clinical support tasks in community pharmacies: A cluster analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify community pharmacy technicians who might be selected for engagement in advanced clinical support tasks and emerging roles. The secondary objective was to determine the demographic and work characteristics of these technicians who can be engaged in advanced roles.

Design: Using data from a survey of pharmacy technicians, a 2-step cluster analysis was performed with current involvement, self-efficacy, and attitude toward advanced clinical support tasks as the variables. Comparisons of the clusters were based on demographic and work-related variables (e.g., employment status, practice setting, job rank, sex, age, organization and professional commitment). Multiple regression analyses were used to identify the association between the technician's desired involvement in advanced tasks and their cluster, demographic, and work characteristics.

Setting and participants: The study included a random sample of pharmacy technicians surveyed across the United States who practiced in the community pharmacy setting.

Outcome measures: Not applicable.

Results: One hundred and twenty-eight pharmacy technicians formed 4 clusters. Overall, respondents were mostly female, a mean age of 36 years, working in large pharmacy organizations including chain, discount, mass merchandiser, and grocery store pharmacy, and with an average of 7 years' experience working as a technician. Self-efficacy, attitude, and current and desired involvement in clinical support tasks were significantly different (P < 0.001) among the 4 clusters. Twenty-one percent were stratified as "most ideal" technicians prepared to engage in advanced clinical support tasks and emerging roles. These technicians were the oldest in age and had the highest patient care score, and most were highly committed to remaining a technician.

Conclusion: This study provides a method to use community pharmacy technicians' current capacity and potential to select those who can perform emerging roles and advanced clinical support tasks. The analysis identified those who might be selected first by organizations for taking up emerging roles, particularly more clinically oriented tasks. Pharmacy organizations can apply these results to workflow design and potentially to human resources management activities.