The work of the healthcare system depends on the correct work of all its parts. For instance, pharmacies are responsible for preparing and distributing drugs following the therapist’s prescription. Thus, a pharmacy assistant is one of the specialists helping to attain better outcomes and minimize the risk of mistakes or wrong medication prescriptions. The correct understanding of this specialist’s role in Canadian pharmacies is vital for understanding whether it can be the right career path for an individual. At the same time, exploration of the work environment and major functions can promote an enhanced vision of how pharmacies in Canada work.
Thus, pharmacy assistants are important members of the pharmacy team. First, they provide general assistance to pharmacists and technicians to ensure better outcomes are achieved. They can communicate with patients to resolve their issues and answer frequently asked questions (NAPRA, 2023). Moreover, assistants might accomplish pharmacists’ orders to provide them time for better management of most complex issues. Additionally, they might focus on communicating with clients to collect necessary medical information about their prescriptions and health condition (NAPRA, 2023). This information might be used in digital systems to align their better work and guarantee a higher accuracy of data and its processing.
Pharmacy assistants are also responsible for working with prescription records. A critical function of these specialists is maintaining this information, structuring, and controlling inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products (NAPRA, 2023). This role is vital for the work of pharmacies and their enhanced effectiveness. Records’ accuracy helps to replenish pharmaceutical supplies and avoid their deficit (“Pharmacy assistant,” n.d.). It means that pharmacy assistants perform an essential function of ensuring the stable functioning of the whole unit and guaranteeing its ability to meet all clients’ demands. Working with prescription records is central to this specialist’s everyday duties and is critical for positive outcomes.
Pharmacy assistants might also perform more complex tasks. First, they can be responsible for labelling and, in some cases, compounding of products if the pharmacist or technician assigns this task to them (“Pharmacy assistant,” n.d.). Correct labelling is necessary for the enhanced management of orders and prescriptions. In such a way, checking inventory, restocking drugs, and dispensing medications are the essential components of a pharmacy assistant’s everyday duties. Performing these tasks, the specialist makes a significant contribution to the stable work of the unit and helps to avoid claims from the clients. At the same time, by labelling products, pharmacy assistant reduces the pressure on pharmacists and guarantees he/she has more time to focus on clients.
That is why the pharmacy assistant can be considered a link between a pharmacist and patients who require specific drugs. He/she might answer clients’ questions, calls, and claims to keep them informed. However, if complex issues or questions emerge, a pharmacy assistant can readdress them and make sure the correct answer is given. It is also necessary to realize that the scope of tasks differs regarding the pharmacy and the peculiarities of the local area (“Pharmacy assistant,” n.d.). This specialist can respond to pharmacists’ orders and act to ensure the unit functions appropriately. It means that the specialist should adapt to the conditions and demonstrate high flexibility levels to avoid failures or problematic situations.
Nevertheless, pharmacy assistants should work under supervision because of the high responsibility of their tasks. First, they cannot transfer prescriptions, accept verbal orders, or release products without the pharmacist’s approval (“Pharmacy assistant,” n.d.). Direct supervision guarantees that the specialist does not make crucial mistakes, especially when he/she lacks experience in particular aspects (Indeed Editorial Team, 2022). Moreover, in complex cases, pharmacy assistants do not have the competence and authority to make decisions, meaning that guidance and supervision are critical. At the same time, this practice ensures that the specialist can acquire new skills and continue professional development.
Altogether, pharmacy assistants are specialists playing a vital role in the functioning of pharmacies in Canada. Being subordinate to pharmacists and technicians, they are essential for performing other tasks. These include maintaining client information and electronic records, answering calls and questions, and creating lists of drugs that should be ordered. These aspects are important for meeting clients’ demands, attaining high satisfaction levels, and guaranteeing the stable work of the unit. Following the existing rules, pharmacy assistants should work under supervision because of the high responsibility of the tasks they perform. In conclusion, pharmacy assistants are vital for the work of pharmacies in Canada and for promoting the gradual improvement of the health of the nation.
References
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022). What does a pharmacist assistant do? Indeed. Web.
National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). (2023). Pharmacy professionals’ role. Web.
Pharmacy assistant. (n.d.). Settlement.Org. Web.