Hospital pharmacy technicians practice and perceptions in France and Quebec, Canada.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe practice and perceptions of hospital pharmacy technicians (HPTs) in France and in Quebec, Canada. The secondary objective was to compare both work settings to identify differences. METHODS: Cross-sectional online survey in December 2016 and February 2017. The survey was comprised of four sections demographic, factors contributing to career choice and satisfaction, perceptions regarding training, skills and recognition and interest in new opportunities. The proportion of responses from respondents in France and Quebec was compared with a chi-squared test. KEY FINDINGS: There were 101 respondents from France and 224 from Quebec. In comparison with Quebec respondents, French respondents came from large hospitals (France 87%, 84/97 versus Quebec 50%, 112/223, P < 0.001). Few HPTs supported pharmacists' clinical activities (France 4%, 4/97 versus Quebec 29%, 65/222, P < 0.001). A majority of HPTs indicated that working in the healthcare field contributed to their job satisfaction (France 94%, 87/93 versus Quebec 90%, 188/209). Respondents found their training sufficient (France 54%, 49/90 versus Quebec 78%, 159/205, P < 0.001). However, few identified having access to sufficient continuing education (France 40%, 36/90 versus Quebec 29%, 59/205). Not many thought that their job was well recognized in their centre (France 13%, 12/90 versus Quebec 13%, 26/203). However, they felt it had a direct impact on the quality of care, especially in Quebec (France 86%, 77/90 versus Quebec 98%, 199/203, P < 0.001). The majority was interested in supporting the pharmacists' clinical activities (France 91%, 78/86 versus Quebec 82%, 163/199). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, HTP from France and Quebec shared a satisfaction about their profession. They showed an interest in increased recognition and responsibilities (e.g. training, pharmacist support).