THE ROLES OF PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN PROMOTING MEDICATION ADHERENCE: A CASE STUDY OF GENERAL HOSPITAL OFFA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study: Medication adherence remains a critical challenge in healthcare systems globally, including Nigeria. Inadequate adherence to prescribed medication regimens can lead to treatment failure, disease progression, increased healthcare costs, and a higher burden of morbidity and mortality (Sabaté, 2013). In the context of Nigeria, where healthcare resources are often strained, addressing medication adherence becomes even more imperative.Medication adherence encompasses various factors, including proper understanding of medication instructions, consistent usage according to prescribed schedules, and continuation of treatment for the prescribed duration (World Health Organization, 2003). However, studies have consistently shown that adherence rates in Nigeria are suboptimal across various disease conditions, posing significant challenges to effective healthcare delivery (Ogbonna et al., 2019).

The role of pharmacy technicians in healthcare delivery has evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally viewed as support staff in pharmacy settings, pharmacy technicians now play increasingly crucial roles in medication management, including patient education, medication reconciliation, and medication therapy management (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2020). In the context of promoting medication adherence, pharmacy technicians can serve as frontline healthcare providers, working closely with patients to address barriers to adherence and improve health outcomes (Blum, 2024).

Pharmacy technicians possess unique skills and competencies that can be leveraged to enhance medication adherence initiatives. These include their knowledge of pharmaceuticals, proficiency in dispensing medications, and ability to communicate effectively with patients (Traynor, 2023). By actively engaging with patients during medication counseling sessions, pharmacy technicians can provide valuable education on the importance of adherence, potential side effects, and strategies for managing medications effectively (Nguyen et al., 2019). Moreover, pharmacy technicians can collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physicians, and nurses, to implement comprehensive medication adherence programs tailored to the needs of patients in general hospitals (Smith & Kinsey, 2023). Through interdisciplinary teamwork, pharmacy technicians can contribute to the development of personalized adherence plans, conduct medication reviews, and monitor patients' progress over time (Rodrigues et al., 2020).

In the Nigerian healthcare landscape, where access to healthcare services is often limited, the role of pharmacy technicians becomes even more pivotal (Blum, 2023). With their presence in general hospitals, pharmacy technicians can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering support and guidance to individuals navigating complex medication regimens, thus, addressing medication adherence is essential for improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria (MacKinnon et al., 2023). Pharmacy technicians, with their expertise and patient-centered approach, are well-positioned to play a significant role in promoting adherence within the setting of general hospitals. By harnessing their skills and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, pharmacy technicians can contribute to enhancing medication adherence and ultimately improving the quality of care for patients in Nigeria (Jacklin et al., 2023).

​​​​​​​Statement of the Problem

Despite the increasing recognition of medication adherence as a crucial determinant of treatment outcomes, inadequate adherence remains a significant issue in healthcare systems, particularly in Nigeria (Traynor, 2022). Studies have consistently demonstrated suboptimal adherence rates across various disease conditions in Nigeria (Ogbonna et al., 2019). This lack of adherence poses substantial challenges to effective disease management, leading to treatment failure, disease progression, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity and mortality rates (Sabaté, 2003). While the importance of addressing medication adherence is well-established, there is a gap in understanding the specific roles that pharmacy technicians can play in promoting medication adherence within the context of general hospitals in Nigeria (DiMario et al., 2022).

Pharmacy technicians have evolved beyond their traditional roles as support staff and are increasingly recognized as integral members of the healthcare team (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2020). However, there is limited research exploring the extent to which pharmacy technicians can contribute to medication adherence initiatives, particularly in resource-constrained settings like Nigeria (Sparkmon et al., 2023). Existing literature has primarily focused on the roles of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in medication management (Nguyen et al., 2019; Rodrigues et al., 2020). Consequently, there is a critical need to investigate the specific functions and responsibilities that pharmacy technicians can undertake to improve medication adherence in general hospitals in Nigeria  with reference to Offa in Kwara state. Upon this premise, this study seeks to investigate The roles of pharmacy technician in promoting medication adherence: A case study of general hospital Offa, Kwara State.

​​​​​​​Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study is focused on The roles of pharmacy technician in promoting medication adherence. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. To assess the current roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in general hospitals in Nigeria.

2. To explore the potential contributions of pharmacy technicians to medication adherence promotion in the Nigerian healthcare context.

3. To develop evidence-based recommendations for integrating pharmacy technicians into medication adherence initiatives in Nigerian general hospitals.

Research Questions

1. What are the existing roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians within the context of general hospitals in Nigeria?

2. How can pharmacy technicians contribute to promoting medication adherence among patients in Nigerian general hospitals?

3. What strategies can be employed to effectively integrate pharmacy technicians into medication adherence programs in Nigerian healthcare settings?

Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significance role of pharmacy technician in promoting medication adherence in general hospitals

Hi: There is no significance role of pharmacy technician in promoting medication adherence in Offa general hospitals

​​​​​​​Significance of the Study

By addressing this gap in knowledge, healthcare policymakers, administrators, and practitioners can develop targeted interventions to enhance medication adherence and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the unique contributions of pharmacy technicians in promoting adherence can inform the design of comprehensive medication adherence programs tailored to the Nigerian healthcare context. By leveraging the skills and expertise of pharmacy technicians, healthcare facilities can optimize resource utilization and improve the efficiency of medication management processes, thereby reducing healthcare costs. Findings from this study can inform healthcare policies and guidelines related to the integration of pharmacy technicians into medication adherence initiatives, contributing to the advancement of healthcare delivery practices in Nigeria. Empirically, the study will add to the general body of knowledge and serve as a reference material for student and other research on related topic.

​​​​​​​Scope of the Study

The study focused on he roles of pharmacy technician in promoting medication adherence. the study will, investigate the current roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians within Offa general hospitals, including their involvement in medication dispensing, patient education, and medication management processes.exploring the potential contributions of pharmacy technicians to medication adherence promotion initiatives, including their involvement in patient counseling, medication reconciliation, and adherence monitoring. Geographically, the study willl draw its participant from Offa General Hospital in Kwara State

​​​​​​​Limitation of the Study

The findings of this study may not be generalizable to all general hospitals in Nigeria or other healthcare settings outside Offa. Factors such as variations in healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity, and patient demographics may limit the applicability of the results beyond the study setting. Additionally, The study's findings may be influenced by sampling bias, as data collection will be limited to Offa general hospitals. This may affect the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the results to the broader population of pharmacy technicians and healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Furthermore, data collected through interviews or surveys may be subject to self-reporting bias, as participants may provide socially desirable responses or overestimate their involvement in medication adherence promotion activities. This could impact the accuracy and reliability of the findings.

​​​​​​​Definition of Terms

Pharmacy Technician: A healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in various pharmacy-related tasks, including dispensing medications, compounding pharmaceuticals, and providing patient education under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Medication Adherence: The extent to which patients follow their prescribed medication regimens, including taking medications as directed, adhering to dosing schedules, and completing the full course of treatment.

General Hospitals: Healthcare facilities that provide a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient treatment, outpatient services, and diagnostic testing, typically catering to a broad spectrum of patients and medical conditions.