PTSA reps explore solutions to workforce challenges

Given the growing shortage of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, administrator Teresa Hennessey and Carlynn Bullock, president, of the Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA), welcomed the opportunity to attend a Human Resource Forum hosted by the Alberta College of Pharmacy. Hennessey provided some statistics on the current state of the workforce in a PTSA blog: About 55% of Alberta pharmacy technicians practice in institutional settings; Less than 30% of community pharmacy teams include a pharmacy technician; About 13% of community pharmacy teams include more than one pharmacy technician; The number of pharmacy technicians has been increasing but at a very slow pace; It is estimated that over 50% of individuals working in a pharmacy are unregulated. Read: Changing medication reviews for the betterFacilitator Don Winn asked participants to suggest improvements in three areas: attracting and building workforce; hiring and retaining workforce; and building capacity with a static workforce. Read: PAS conference a draw for pharmacy technicians“We delved into discussions focused on innovative strategies to attract and recruit new talent into the pharmacy professions, exploring issues like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities, as well as optimizing workflows and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency in pharmacy practices,” said Hennessey. “It was quickly apparent that there are similarities between issues affecting pharmacy technicians and pharmacists. Despite some alignment, the pharmacy technician profession faces unique challenges too, and solutions for both professions are needed.” The leading organizations, including PTSA, ACP, the Alberta Pharmacists Association and University of Alberta are now tasked with deciding how to develop coalitions to prioritize and work on achieving the proposed solutions, said Hennessey. This article appeared in the June/July 2024 issue of Tech Talk. Find it and other Tech Talk issues here.

PTSA reps explore solutions to workforce challenges

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