Trainee pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies are more likely to encounter difficulties fitting their pre-registration training around their work duties than those in hospitals, suggests a new report by the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK).

Focus groups revealed that busy working environments combined with the business nature of community pharmacy organisations often impacted on the study time of community pharmacy technicians. Participating pharmacy technicians made various suggestions for improving training, including more practical workshops, greater emphasis on patient-facing skills and IT literacy, and more support to develop time management skills. 

The majority of pharmacy technicians said they would like to expand their role, with some suggesting that they could deliver MURs. However, many felt held back by limited resources and the unwillingness of pharmacists to give up responsibilities.  

To read the Identifying the roles of pharmacy technicians in the UK report in full, visit: aptuk.org.