Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, Medication Reconciliation or designate and under the supervision of the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Medication Reconciliation, the Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) Pharmacy Technician contributes to the safe, effective, and patient-centered care of patients at BC Cancer by conducting the first step of medication reconciliation, the collection of a best possible medication history (BPMH). This includes interviewing patients and families, collecting and compiling medication information from various sources, identifying discrepancies and missing information, and documenting a complete and accurate medication history in the patient’s electronic health record.

Working closely with pharmacists, physicians, and other health care professionals, the BPMH Pharmacy Technician contributes to medication safety, optimizes therapeutic outcomes, and enhances the quality of patient care, by operating in accordance with the competency guidelines and scope/standards of practice for Pharmacy Technicians as outlined by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, and according to organizational policies, procedures, standards, and unit specific protocols.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Schedules and conducts interviews with patients and/or their families to obtain detailed information about their current medications, including prescription, non-prescription, and complementary and alternative medications, vitamins, and supplements, as well as information about patient adherence, allergies, and adverse drug reactions.
2.    Collects additional medication-related information from pharmacy and medical records, including PharmaNet and provincial electronic health records.
3.    Confirms and verifies medication-related information through communication and collaboration with other health care providers including nurses, physicians, pharmacists to ensure accuracy as required.  
4.    Compiles and compares the information obtained from all sources to ensure a complete and accurate history. Identifies and communicates discrepancies and/or missing information to the health care team.
5.    Compiles and documents the medication history and other personal health information in the electronic health record accurately and completely using a standardized format.
6.    Educates patients about medication use and the medication reconciliation process within their scope of practice.
7.    Identifies and triages patients requiring pharmacist education or intervention.
8.    Contributes to the ongoing success of the medication reconciliation program through active participation in quality and safety, research, evaluation, education, and training initiatives.
9.    Ensures compliance with relevant laws, policies, and standards governing medication management, patient privacy, and confidentiality.
10.    Provides orientation to new pharmacy staff, pharmacy technician and undergraduate pharmacy students.
11.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

Grade 12 and graduation from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current practicing registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the College of Pharmacists of B.C.

Skills and Abilities

(i)    Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
(ii)    Ability to deal with others effectively.
(iii)    Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
(iv)    Ability to keyboard.
(v)    Ability to organize work.
(vi)    Ability to operate related equipment.