Attitudes of Ohio hospital pharmacists toward pharmacy technicians

A survey was conducted to determine the attitudes of Ohio pharmacists toward pharmacy technicians. A questionnaire was developed with questions about the current and future scope of technician responsibilities; training, certification and licensure; and possible displacement of pharmacist positions. The questionnaire was mailed in January 1990 to a random sample of 357 hospital pharmacists registered with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. There were 182 usable questionnaires returned, for a response rate of 51%. Nearly all the respondents (98.4%) employed pharmacy technicians. Of 32 functions listed in the questionnaire, 16 were performed by technicians at more than half of the responding hospitals. The functions performed by technicians varied depending on the size and location of the hospital; and the education, experience, and current position of respondents influenced their opinions on the appropriateness of having technicians perform several functions now and in the future. Most respondents agreed that all technicians should receive standardized training and education, and more than a third believed that technicians should be certified. The respondents did not believe that increased use of technicians would eliminate present pharmacist positions in their department but were neutral toward a statement that technicians would eliminate pharmacist positions in general. Ohio pharmacists' attitudes toward the expanding role of pharmacy technicians seemed in concert with the recommendations that have emerged in the profession.