Digital content delivery in a pharmacy technician training program in a health system.

Abstract

Development and implementation of a pharmacy technician training program are described. As key members of the healthcare team, pharmacy technicians are integral to a pharmacy's operation. Training programs allow technicians to assume roles that support pharmacists practicing "at the top of their license," assist in providing optimal patient care, and serve as an important tool for retaining trained pharmacy technicians. Duke University Health System (DUHS) launched its Pharmacy Technology Training Program (DUHS-PTTP) within the department of pharmacy at Duke University Hospital in April 2018 to assist in meeting current and future pharmacy technician demand. Candidates are provided with the tools to become certified pharmacy technicians through the completion of an affordable accredited program incorporating didactic, simulation-based, and experiential education. The program's partnership with a digital content provider enables accelerated start-up, minimizes investment in content creation and maintenance, enables automated record keeping, and provides flexibility for program participants to complete didactic content outside of the traditional classroom setting. Implementation of this program aims to support students both internal and external to the institution. Students are trained to begin a career as a pharmacy technician with the intent of producing graduates well equipped and eligible for certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Implementation of a pharmacy technician training program is a logical extension of the demonstrated core training competency of health-system pharmacy departments.