title: Can they do it? Comparing the views of pharmacists and technicians to the introduction of an advanced technician role.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to investigate the opinions of pharmacists and technicians regarding the ability of New Zealand technicians to take on an advanced checking technician role.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was developed to investigate the opinions regarding the introduction of this new role. The questions covered are: perceived ability to take on the role, training requirements and competence. Surveys were sent to pharmacists whose contact details are available for research purposes (n = 2095) and to all pharmacies in New Zealand (both community and hospital) for the attention of technicians (n = 858). The results were analysed using IBM SPSS and thematic analysis of comments was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1221 surveys were returned (pharmacists = 736 and technicians = 485). The majority of the technicians (83%) believed that 'some' technicians could work in a CT role, compared with 73% of the pharmacists. Over two-thirds (69%) of the technicians felt comfortable checking a prescription at their current level of training compared with 53% of pharmacists. Both groups' comfort increased with further specific training for the technicians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of both of these groups supported the change in roles. Pharmacists were less confident that technicians could take on this role now, but were more comfortable after extra training had been completed. The technicians, however, were confident they could take on this role now but would take on extra training if needed.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Patti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Napier
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Norris
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rhiannon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Braund
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000523:psychology*; D024382:Professional Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: dispensing; professional boundaries; professional practice; skill mix; technicians