Qualitative study exploring perceptions and experiences of Pharmacy technicians’ professional identity in NHS Scotland

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy technicians worldwide share workplace challenges including: job role; scope of practice; level of pharmacist’ supervision; and education1. In the USA, Canada and many European countries, pharmacy technicians require national or state registration2. In the UK, Pharmacy technicians became registered professionals in 2011, as a means of improving patient safety through compliance with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) standards. There are approximately 2,500 pharmacy technicians and 5,500 pharmacists registered with the GPhC in Scotland3. Given the importance of professional identity, and the lack of research exploring pharmacy technicians’ professional affiliation, we explored the perspectives and experiences of pharmacy technicians’ professionalism across Scotland. Aim To explore pharmacy technicians’ perceptions and experiences of their professional status and professional identity. Methods Following West of Scotland Research and Ethics Service Scientific Officer’s approval, Pharmacy technicians from all fourteen Scottish territorial health boards were invited by email using snowball sampling technique to provide a national representation. A draft semi-structured interview was piloted on four pharmacy technicians. Between May and August 2023, 36 pharmacy technicians were recruited: 23 from acute services; mental health (n=1); rehabilitation hospitals (n=1); primary care (n=8); and community pharmacy (n=3). Twenty two participants were interviewed in person and 14 on line. Interviews lasted between 17-91 minutes, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and accuracy checked, then analysed thematically using a framework approach and NVivo software. Three researchers analysed data including initial coding, categorisation, and theme generation. Any disagreements were discussed and addressed within the research team. Results Seven themes emerged from the data describing pharmacy technicians: feeling stuck in the shadow of pharmacists; underrepresented in policy and practice; and marginalised, undervalued and underpaid. There was frustration at the lack of awareness of pharmacy technician roles amongst the wider healthcare team. Primary care pharmacy technicians were thought to have more opportunities than secondary care colleagues. There was a pervasive feeling that pharmacy technicians were increasingly squeezed between pharmacists and support workers and a lack of confidence and feeling unsupported in the delivery of clinical roles. Pharmacy technicians acknowledged that they may not have used their initiative to take new opportunities, but did not feel they had sufficient clinical and educational opportunities. Catalysts to professional development were recognised including pharmacy technician led management and leadership, readiness to undertake traditional pharmacist roles and the potential positive impact of strengthened professional identity. Interviewees described the absence of a structured, funded career framework, and lack of post-registration higher-level professional qualification as inhibiting increased responsibility and scope of practice. Discussion/Conclusion Professional registration does not appear to have strengthened pharmacy technicians’ professional identity. There is a pervasive lack of development opportunities impacting negatively on pharmacy technicians and therefore, service delivery across Scotland. A review of defined roles is required. A lack of previous qualitative evaluation limits comparisons with the perceptions and experiences of pharmacy technicians worldwide. Findings offer a starting point to inform practice and policy. Further research could explore pharmacy technicians’ perceptions of the potential impact of the emerging career framework on developing roles and responsibilities. Keywords: Pharmacy technician, Professional identity