Training program in compounding for pharmacy technicians through a digital platform and simulation techniques

To describe a compounding training plan in a tertiary hospital Pharmacy Service. The project aimed to train Pharmacy Assistant Technicians using a digital training platform and simulation techniques.

Two training programmes were designed, one for sterile and the other for non-sterile drugs. Each programme consists of several phases: a basic online training course (digital e-learning platform), a practical simulation workshop, a supervised practice in real conditions and a final examination by the pharmacist to qualify the technician. Both programmes include a continuous and accredited evaluation by the hospital's Continuing Education Commission. A satisfaction survey on training (e-learning platform) was designed and conducted for pharmacy technicians (sterile and non-sterile).

The project has been running for three years. Six specialist pharmacists from the different areas involved in compounding are responsible for training and continuous evaluation. Twenty-one technicians were trained, 19 were qualified, and two of them were unsuccessful. Nowadays, we have 13 pharmacy technicians out of those who were originally trained. Participation in the training satisfaction survey (e-learning platform) was 61.5% (n = 8) of the total number of current developers (n = 13). Overall satisfaction was good with 62.5% of technicians satisfied or very satisfied and the remainder were indifferent (37.5%).

The compounding training program is now in its third year. It has been crucial in delegating tasks to Pharmacy technicians. The use of digital technology is essential in training. We believe that specific training in compounding, is essential and should be included in the pharmacy technician curriculum.