I work in a large company where alignment between the corporation and its local business units is an area of constant attention. Perhaps because of that, I tend to be somewhat sensitive to instances where there may be misalignment.
Today I received a missive from my ASHP state affiliate urging my support for an initiative to defeat a law that would extend the number of technicians a pharmacist can supervise. This letter caused me to wonder at how technician-to-pharmacist ratios applied to one of our most significant national projects, the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI).
This should not be misconstrued as criticism of the effort. I just found myself wondering whether the drive to preserve a relatively low technician-to-pharmacist ratio was consistent with our national endeavors. I was there at the initial PPMI convocation, and it was clear at the time that the development of a well-trained and properly credentialed technician workforce who would operate our dispensing systems was crucial to realizing our professional aspirations.
What evidence to we have that such ratios protect patient safety? What evidence do we have that one ratio is better than another? If ratios are appropriate, what evidence do we have that one ratio applies properly to all types of pharmacy practice?
Just a question... what is your opinion?
Dennis A. Tribble, Pharm. D., FASHP
Daytona Beach, FL
(386) 871-6940(386) 871-6940
#PPMI #PatientSafety #Leadership