The pharmacy technician--an occupation in search of consensus

These are some of the issues that warrant consideration as we examine the development of a more efficient manpower model for pharmacy. We all realize that we have reached a point in the delivery of health services where inefficiency will have a very direct impact on economic viability. It is imperative that we develop a more rational manpower model that takes advantage of appropriately trained supportive personnel who will be functioning in an environment greatly influenced by advancing technology. As we develop our manpower model, we should also understand that pharmacy is still evolving as a profession. It, too, has problems in identifying uniform standards of practice. We in academia have not yet reached agreement on the appropriate degree required to prepare individuals for the present and future practice of pharmacy. In spite of our inability to reach consensus on a number of important issues, we continue to realize an expansion of our professional roles. As these gains in professionalization continue, we will most likely see a concomitant need for growth in the support base required by pharmacists. This need will be met by either technicians or technology. One of my favorite quotes is taken from a book title by humorist and author Lewis Grizzard: Shoot Low Boys--They're Riding Shetland Ponies. Just as the imaginary speaker above was telling his companions to change their frame of reference, I believe we, too, must change our frame of reference.