Evaluation of a hybrid medication synchronization training module for pharmacy technicians

BACKGROUND: Medication synchronization involves coordinating a patient's medications to a single date each month. Medication synchronization programs close gaps in care and improve adherence compared with automatic refill-processing programs. Patients are 2-6 times more adherent to medications when enrolled in a medication synchronization program. Medication synchronization has historically been driven by pharmacists; however, pharmacy technicians are in a unique position to logistically run this service.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a training program for pharmacy technicians regarding medication synchronization and assess changes in knowledge and confidence before and after implementing a training program.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: An independent community pharmacy in North Carolina. Pharmacists provide medication therapy management, reimbursed clinical services, medication synchronization, and immunizations.

PRACTICE INNOVATION: The training program included medication synchronization basics, patient enrollment process, processing a synced patient, and a hands-on practice session.

EVALUATION METHODS: Technicians took a pre-training survey assessing knowledge and confidence before immediately completing a one-on-one pharmacist-led training session with a hands-on component regarding medication synchronization. Technicians took the same post-training survey 2 weeks after completing the training session and using medication synchronization in daily workflow. Pre- and post-training scores were assessed using a paired samples t test.

RESULTS: Ten technicians completed the training program; 40% of the technicians were certified and 30% were enrolled in a PharmD program. The mean pre-training knowledge score was 78% (7.1 of 9 points), the mean post-training knowledge score was 92% (8.3 of 9 points), and the mean difference between the pre- and post-training knowledge scores was 13.4% (1.2 points), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0026). Confidence with conducting a medication synchronization call increased from 7.2 to 9.6 on a 10-point Likert scale, and confidence scores increased regarding incorporating medication synchronization into workflow from 6.9 to 8.7.

CONCLUSION: The standardized technician training program increased knowledge and confidence in technicians regarding managing a medication synchronization program.