Collaborative Practices Between Pharmacists And Pharmacy Technicians: Enhancing Medication Safety In The Management Of Chronic Conditions

Abstract

Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are highly prevalent globally. However, medication non-adherence remains an issue compromising health outcomes. As the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are uniquely positioned to address this through collaborative medication management. By delegating appropriate roles like prescription processing and adherence support to technicians, pharmacists can dedicate more time to advanced clinical services like comprehensive medication reviews. Research shows pharmacist-technician collaboration improves adherence and reduces hospitalizations for chronic disease patients. However, realizing the full benefits requires expanding technician training pathways, standardizing scopes of practice, evolving reimbursement models, and educating stakeholders. With a shared focus on safety and quality, pharmacists and technicians exemplify an interdependent "small team" care approach. Optimizing their collaboration will increasingly be vital for tackling chronic disease burden worldwide. This paper examines their complementary roles, evidence for team-based care, optimization strategies, challenges, and ethical considerations.