Pharmacy Technician II - Medication History Specialist

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

 

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Job Summary

Summary

Under the direction of the Pharmacy Manager and with oversight from the Transitions of Care (TOC) Pharmacists, the Pharmacy Medication History Technician is responsible for obtaining a comprehensive and accurate home medication list as part of the patient admission process. This role plays a key part in improving patient safety and quality of care by providing physicians and other clinicians with a timely and accurate medication history. The technician also actively participates in quality improvement initiatives focused on medication reconciliation.

Essential Functions
Obtain comprehensive medication histories for newly admitted patients by conducting medication list reviews and medication reconciliation.
Confirm complete medication information, including drug name, dose, route, frequency, indication for PRN medications, and date/time of the last dose taken.
Verify patient allergy information and ensure complete documentation, including the substance, allergy category, and reaction description.
Document medication histories and allergy information accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Communicate completion of medication history reviews and medication reconciliation to physicians, nursing staff, and pharmacy staff.
Assist and coordinate medication history assessments with the nursing team, as requested.
Review a patient's medication list within the context of the current episode of care to support appropriate treatment decisions by:
Determining which medications are relevant to the patient's current care.
Confirming whether the patient is taking each medication.
Clarifying discrepancies and identifying medication non-adherence.
Communicating findings to the appropriate healthcare providers.
Compare the updated home medication list with existing medication orders during admission, transfers between care units, and discharge by:
Resolving discrepancies in medication, route, dose, frequency, duration, and quantity.
Identifying and correcting omissions and duplications.
Addressing allergy, drug interaction, and medication intolerance concerns.
Communicating recommendations and findings to licensed providers.
Serve as a liaison to nursing staff regarding medication-related questions and concerns.
Establish and maintain communication with admitting physicians regarding identified medication issues, including patient non-adherence.
Collect and report data on medication admission histories completed and medication discrepancies identified.
Participate in departmental and organizational performance improvement initiatives.
Precept Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Students on conducting home medication interviews and documentation.
Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with hospital medication policies and procedures, as well as applicable state and national regulatory requirements.
Work collaboratively with the Transitions of Care Pharmacists and Pharmacy Manager to identify, report, and resolve compliance concerns in partnership with Quality Management, Accreditation, and Compliance teams, as appropriate.
Provide professional, courteous, and confident customer service to patients, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members, both in person and by telephone.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Licenses and Credentials
Pharmacy Technician [State License] required

Pharmacy Technician Certification [CPhT] - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) required

Experience
Pharmacy technician 1-2 year required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow verbal and written instructions, including department policies and procedures
- Understand HIPAA privacy rules and will use discretion handling patient related information
- Ability to adhere to safety requirements for handling non-hazardous and hazardous medications in accordance with organizational policies and regula