ASHP-HOPA guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in ambulatory oncology pharmacy

The roles and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in ambulatory oncology practice have evolved considerably over the past several decades. Historically, technician roles consisted mainly of compounding and technical activities, but technicians in the ambulatory oncology setting currently serve in a variety of advanced roles.1 A number of recent changes and initiatives, including the expansion of pharmacy services, an increase in the utilization of oral anticancer medications, greater focus on quality improvement, and the growing role of technology in pharmacy operations, have expanded the scope of the technician′s role and created the need for advanced, well-trained technicians to support these functions.2 Pharmacy technicians provide integral support to pharmacy staff, allowing for streamlined workflow and increased operational and technological oversight of pharmacy functions while maintaining high-quality patient care. The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) have partnered to define the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in the ambulatory oncology setting to promote standardization and further advancement and expansion of ambulatory oncology pharmacy practice.