Medication History Technician Specialist
About The Position
The Pharmacy Medication History Technician is a key part of the pharmacy-managed medication reconciliation practice model. Reporting to the Manager, Pharmacy Operations, the position works under the supervision of a Pharmacist and, at RIH and TMH only, under the direction of the Medication History Pharmacy Technician Group Leader. The technician obtains, compiles, verifies, and documents complete home medication histories and patient allergy information for patients being admitted to the hospital. Information is gathered from relevant sources, including patients and families, outpatient pharmacies, extended care facilities, and provider offices, and documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). The role communicates medication-history discrepancies and refers suspected medication errors to a pharmacist, responds to requests from providers and other staff, and ensures issues are followed up in a timely manner. It also provides compassionate, professional service to patients and families, contributes to quality assurance and improvement activities and medication safety initiatives, and rotates among applicable medication-history assignments and shifts. The technician is based initially in the Emergency Department or Admitting Department and works independently within departmental policies, referring complex matters to a supervisor for clarification. There is no supervisory responsibility.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- Current, unrestricted Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician licensure.
- At least one year of pharmacy technician experience in an outpatient pharmacy setting.
- Either hold and maintain current National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT), or sit for the CPhT exam within the first six months of hire and achieve and maintain certification within 12 months of hire.
- Strong customer service orientation and verbal and written communication skills for interacting with patients, families, physicians, licensed independent practitioners, registered nurses, and ancillary support staff.
- Focused and active listening skills, including the ability to listen attentively despite distractions and identify key points and ideas.
- Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, email, and calendar applications.
- Comfort using internet web applications and multiple pharmacy and system-wide applications.
- Attention to detail and ability to stay focused while compiling and documenting medication histories and verifying allergies.
- Ability to multitask and reprioritize while maintaining accuracy and customer service standards.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Visual acuity and manual dexterity to operate a computer and enter data into the EMR using a keyboard and mouse.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen in accordance with Rhode Island State Law.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of one to two years of college.
Responsibilities
- Obtain and compile complete, current, and detailed home medication histories, including medication names, doses and forms, frequency, and routes for prescription, over-the-counter, and complementary or alternative medications.
- Obtain and compile patient allergy information, including reactions experienced.
- Use relevant sources—including patient and family interviews, outpatient pharmacies, extended care facilities, and provider offices—to verify medication and allergy information.
- Communicate medication-list discrepancies to a provider and/or pharmacist, hand off unresolved issues, and track follow-up through closure.
- Refer suspected actual, prevented, and near-miss medication errors to a pharmacist for follow-up and reporting.
- Serve as a resource to pharmacists regarding home medication histories and related information, and provide follow-up as requested.
- Accurately document verified medication lists and related information in the EMR, and ensure allergy information is correctly documented and updated as needed.
- Complete medication-history and allergy documentation efficiently and promptly while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Respond appropriately to medication-history requests from providers, nurses, and other staff; manage and triage requests and ensure timely follow-up.
- Provide friendly, compassionate, helpful customer service to patients and families, and direct questions outside the technician’s scope to the appropriate provider or staff member.
- Interact effectively and professionally with health care providers and support personnel at all levels.
- Participate in quality assurance, quality improvement, and medication safety activities related to the pharmacy-managed medication reconciliation practice model.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, regulatory, or financial outcomes using experience-based knowledge.
- Rotate among applicable medication-history assignments and work shifts.
- Demonstrate professionalism and contribute to an effective multidisciplinary work group.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
