ROLE OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MEDICATION ADHERENCE PROGRAM

THE ROLE OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MEDICATION ADHERENCE PROGRAM

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THE ROLE OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MEDICATION ADHERENCE PROGRAM

ABSTRACT

This study examined the role of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs in Anambra State, with a focus on how their knowledge, competencies, and practice contribute to improving patients’ adherence to prescribed therapies. The study was motivated by the increasing challenges of poor medication adherence, which significantly affects treatment outcomes, increases health complications, and raises healthcare costs within the state. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from pharmacy technicians working in public and private health facilities across the three senatorial zones of Anambra State. A structured questionnaire titled Pharmacy Technician Medication Adherence Role Scale (PTMARS) was used for data collection.

Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Findings revealed that pharmacy technicians play a significant role in medication adherence through patient counselling, medication dispensing, follow-up reminders, reinforcement of dosage instructions, detection of adherence barriers, and collaboration with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. The results also indicated that pharmacy technicians’ involvement improved patients’ understanding of their medications, promoted safe medication use, and reduced non-adherence behaviours. However, the study identified major constraints including inadequate training, limited recognition of technicians’ roles, heavy workload, lack of continuous professional development, and insufficient integration into clinical decision-making processes.

The study concluded that pharmacy technicians are critical contributors to medication adherence programs in Anambra State, and their expanded involvement can significantly enhance patient outcomes. It recommended improved training, structured adherence-support programs, clearer definition of technicians’ roles in healthcare teams, and policies that promote their active participation in pharmaceutical care.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Medication adherence has remained a central challenge in healthcare delivery, particularly in chronic disease management. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) defines medication adherence as the extent to which a person’s medication-taking behavior corresponds with the agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider. Poor adherence contributes significantly to treatment failures, increased hospital admissions, and higher healthcare costs globally (Sabate, 2019). In Nigeria, non-adherence is prevalent due to factors such as poor patient counselling, lack of follow-up, limited access to medicines, and socio-economic barriers (Okoro & Onyekwere, 2021).

Pharmacy technicians play a strategic support role within the pharmaceutical care system. They assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, provide basic medication counselling, support inventory management, and help monitor patients’ medication-taking patterns (Adewuyi & Akinleye, 2020). As the demand for pharmaceutical services grows—particularly in underserved areas—pharmacy technicians have become essential contributors to improving medication adherence outcomes (Chukwu et al., 2022). Their interaction with patients positions them to support education, follow-up, and reinforcement of medication instructions.

In Anambra State, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and malaria remains a major public health concern (Anambra State Ministry of Health, 2021). Medication adherence programs, which entail strategies like patient education, reminder systems, therapeutic monitoring, and follow-up counselling, are increasingly being adopted across hospitals and community pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians are often deployed to complement the work of pharmacists in implementing these programs (Umeh & Ezeobi, 2022).

The integration of pharmacy technicians into adherence programs enhances service delivery, especially in areas where pharmacists are limited or overburdened (Ogunleye et al., 2020). Their role in patient engagement, monitoring refills, addressing adherence barriers, and facilitating communication between patients and pharmacists has been recognized as vital in improving health outcomes (Jimoh & Bello, 2021). However, empirical evidence on the extent of their involvement and effectiveness in Anambra State remains limited, creating a need for systematic investigation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the introduction of medication adherence programs in healthcare facilities, suboptimal adherence remains a persistent challenge in Anambra State. Studies indicate that nearly half of patients on long-term medications fail to adhere to therapy as prescribed, leading to complications such as uncontrolled blood pressure, treatment failures, and avoidable hospitalizations (Okoye & Chukwuma, 2020). Although pharmacy technicians are strategically positioned to support adherence, their actual roles, level of competence, and involvement in adherence programs are not well-documented.

Additionally, many healthcare facilities face shortages of pharmacists, which increases reliance on pharmacy technicians. Without adequate involvement in patient counselling, follow-up, and medication management, adherence programs may not achieve optimal outcomes (Akinola & Yusuf, 2021). The gap in empirical data on how pharmacy technicians contribute to medication adherence programs in Anambra State forms the basis for this study.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs in Anambra State.

Specifically, the study intends to:

Assess the level of involvement of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs.

Determine the roles performed by pharmacy technicians in improving medication adherence.

Examine the challenges faced by pharmacy technicians in the implementation of adherence programs.

Identify strategies to enhance pharmacy technicians’ contributions to medication adherence programs in Anambra State.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the level of involvement of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs in Anambra State?

What roles do pharmacy technicians play in improving medication adherence among patients?

What challenges do pharmacy technicians encounter in implementing medication adherence programs?

What strategies can enhance the effective participation of pharmacy technicians in adherence programs?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀₁: Pharmacy technicians’ level of involvement has no significant effect on medication adherence programs in Anambra State.

H₀₂: Pharmacy technicians’ roles do not significantly contribute to improving patient medication adherence.

H₀₃: Challenges encountered by pharmacy technicians do not significantly affect the implementation of adherence programs.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. It will enlighten healthcare administrators on the importance of optimizing the role of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs. Pharmacists will benefit from understanding how task-sharing with pharmacy technicians can improve patient outcomes. Policy makers such as the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) may use the findings to design policies that enhance the training, competency, and deployment of pharmacy technicians.

Furthermore, the study will assist patients by promoting strategies that lead to improved adherence and better treatment outcomes. Finally, the study will serve as a reference material for future researchers and contribute to the literature on pharmaceutical care practice in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the role of pharmacy technicians in medication adherence programs within selected hospitals and community pharmacies in Anambra State. It covers aspects such as their level of involvement, specific functions, challenges faced, and potential strategies for improvement. The study is limited to pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and selected patients involved in adherence programs.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Medication Adherence: The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed in terms of timing, dosage, and frequency.

Pharmacy Technician: A trained healthcare worker under the supervision of a pharmacist who assists in dispensing, counselling, and medication management.

Medication Adherence Program: A structured intervention aimed at improving patients’ compliance with prescribed medication regimens.

Pharmaceutical Care: Patient-centered practice aimed at optimizing medication use and improving health outcomes.

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