WHEN HEALTH POLICIES AND PROFESSIONALS’ NEEDS COLLIDE: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY ON PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN EGYPT

Introduction: Expanding technicians’ role allows pharmacists to focus on patient care. In Egypt, the health authorities refuse to admit technicians’ role. In the draft amendments to the law, the “technician” was removed from the pharmacy workforce. Despite the high pharmacist density; technicians manage shifts alone. Technicians’ role is unclear and they have no educational programs resulting in drug-related errors. This study assessed pharmacists’ and technicians’ attitudes towards technicians’ current role and certification concept. Methods: Two validated specially designed questionnaires were distributed to pharmacists and technicians in Cairo, Giza and Qalyobia and filled at once by a direct interview. The questionnaires discussed: demographics, technician job satisfaction, task distribution and the concept of technician certification. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests were conducted (P<0.05). Results: Questionnaires were filled by 502 pharmacists and 500 technicians. Technicians were standing alone in 247 pharmacies (26.8%). Technicians made drug-related errors as reported by 267 pharmacists (53.2%). Four hundred and thirty seven pharmacists (87.1%) and 470 technicians (94%) agreed on application of technician certification and 381 pharmacists (75.9%) agreed to train technicians as a part of this certification program. There was a significant association between the participants’ jobs and their responses to technician’s involvement level in daily tasks (Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests, P<0.05). Conclusions: Pharmacists and technicians agreed that applying national standards for technicians’ education and role in Egypt will enhance patient care and reduce errors. The health authorities should consider certifying technicians, increasing the pharmacies’ profit margin and decreasing the number of faculties admissions