Design and Implementation of Tech-Check-Tech Programs in North Dakota Pharmacies

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Tech-check-tech (TCT) programs are underutilized despite their benefits in transitioning pharmacy services.
• TCT facilitates a shift from dispensing to advanced patient care models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a transferable Tech-check-tech (TCT) program.
• To create a model for TCT implementation in pharmacies across different states.

Main Methods:

• Developed a universal TCT implementation toolkit and educational program.
• Recruited 6 pharmacies for a year-long implementation and assessment.
• Collected pre- and post-implementation survey data from pharmacists and technicians.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists unanimously perceived TCT implementation as successful and increasing efficiency.
• Technicians found training methods sufficient; workflow integration was the primary barrier.
• No dispensing errors impacting patients occurred during the study.

Conclusions:

• A TCT implementation template provides a successful framework for diverse pharmacy settings.
• The TCT model is transferable and can guide future implementation efforts in other regions.