What’s next for Accredited Checking Technicians (ACTs)?

Anne Ausden, a 2023 Pharmacy Business Awards winner, shares her insights on the expanding role of ACTs with Rudra Mulmule…

As the pharmacy profession continues to evolve, the role of Accredited Checking Technicians (ACTs) is becoming increasingly vital. Anne Ausden, the Deputy Manager of Jephsons Pharmacy, embodies this shift.

With over 18 months in her current role, Anne oversees the pharmacy's daily operations, optimises medication use, and ensures high-quality patient care. Her work extends beyond the dispensary, offering blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, flu vaccines, and health education sessions.

Anne, a 2023 Pharmacy Business Awards winner, shares her insights on the expanding role of ACTs with Pharmacy Business reporter Rudra Mulmule, particularly in light of recent legislative changes that allow pharmacy technicians to now administer medicines under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) and with the introduction of the Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) programme.

“I see that in the future ACTs will keep expanding with new opportunities. The new legislative changes will give ACTs exciting new roles,” says Anne.

The expanding role of ACTs in pharmacy

The responsibilities of an ACT are distinct from those of other pharmacy technicians. While pharmacy technicians assist with medication dispensing, administrative tasks, and inventory management, ACTs take on a more critical role.

"An ACT technician plays a crucial role in pharmacy practice," says Anne, adding "Our responsibilities include the final check on dispensed prescription items, ensuring M.D.S. trays are correct, and adhering to standard operating procedures."

In addition to these tasks, ACTs supervise other pharmacy technicians and the dispensary team to ensure duties are carried out correctly.

Recent legislative changes in the UK have further expanded the scope of ACTs' responsibilities.

As of June 2024, pharmacy technicians registered in England, Scotland, and Wales are now empowered to administer and supply specified medicines under Patient Group Directions (PGDs).

This development, according to Anne, is a positive shift towards utilising well-trained professionals to their full potential.

"This change allows me to potentially undertake tasks such as administering vaccines and providing consultations," she explains. "I am now qualified to do blood withdrawals and flu vaccines,” she adds.

With pharmacy technicians under the PGDs, the evolving role of Accredited Checking Technicians (ACTs) in the UK is also gaining momentum, particularly with the introduction of the Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) programme.

Launched by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), this programme is a significant step forward in supporting pharmacy technicians to develop essential skills for ensuring patient safety and enhancing their leadership capabilities.

Started from August 1, 2024, NHS England is funding 80 places in the ACPT programme, specifically targeting pharmacy technicians working in community pharmacies, NHS hospitals, and within Health and Justice settings.

This initiative, which will run until March 2025 or until all places are allocated, underscores the growing recognition of the pivotal role Accredited Checking Technicians play in modern pharmacy practice.

The programme is structured to enroll 10 participants each month, with half of the available spots reserved for community pharmacy technicians and the other half for technicians in various healthcare sectors.

The ACPT programme is designed to equip pharmacy technicians with the skills needed to safely perform final accuracy checks on dispensed medications, a critical task that ensures patient safety.

Beyond technical accuracy, the programme also focuses on developing leadership skills, enabling ACTs to effectively direct their dispensary teams and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-facing services.

Overcoming challenges in a dynamic role

Despite the expanding scope of their work, ACTs like Anne face several challenges in their day-to-day responsibilities. One of the most pressing is the need for continuous learning and staff engagement.

“Staff engagement and addressing issues can be challenging to make sure that staff feel not blamed for errors," she notes. Keeping up to date on product knowledge, dosages, and interactions is crucial, according to Anne who believes “continuous learning is a must."

To address this, Anne conducts weekly meetings with her team to discuss potential errors, packaging issues, and medications that look or sound alike. "This is important as it flags up potential errors. Communication and continuous learning are essential for patient safety."

Impact on patient care and pharmacy operations

Moreover, the role of an Accredited Checking Technician is not just about ensuring the accuracy of prescriptions; it also has a direct impact on patient care and pharmacy operations. Anne recalls a recent instance where her role as an ACT significantly improved patient care.

"I was checking a patient's medication and, after confirming the medication was correct, I provided advice in the consultation room," she recounts.

"During our conversation, I decided to check the patient's blood pressure, which revealed very high readings. The patient also mentioned experiencing chest pain, so I called an ambulance. It turned out to be the right decision, and the patient was taken to the hospital."

This incident highlights the crucial role Accredited Checking Technicians play in patient care, extending beyond their traditional responsibilities. "Offering services such as blood pressure checks, smoking cessation programs, and weight management is an opportunity to help patients and advance our roles in new learning," Anne adds.

As a trained smoking advisor, Anne also delivers a successful stop smoking service supporting around 10 people per week. Now the GP surgeries within the health centre are pleased to signpost patients to her for the Stop Smoking Service she delivers.

Plus, she manages a busy hypertension case-finding service, which averages 80-100 patients per month.

Anne also maintains a good working relationship with Prospect Hospital and local Care Homes, making it easy for patients to order prescriptions and access the essential medicines that they need.

In addition to performing her duties as an ACT, she assists the manager with the daily operations of the pharmacy and takes on the responsibility of supporting and training new team members.

The future of ACTs in pharmacy

Looking ahead, Anne is optimistic about the future of ACTs in pharmacy practice. "I see that in the future, ACTs will keep expanding with new opportunities," she says.

The recent legislative changes have opened the door for Accredited Checking Technicians to take on more patient-facing roles, and Anne is eager to embrace these opportunities.

"I am constantly enrolling in new courses and preparing myself for any new roles that will become part of my job. Working alongside the pharmacist is a great way of learning, and I do sit in on consultations, especially Pharmacy First service, which I am very interested in."

To support Accredited Checking Technicians in their expanding roles, Anne believes pharmacy employers play a crucial role.

"Pharmacy employers can better support ACTs by providing education, training, and ensuring that technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively," she says.

At Jephsons Pharmacy, Anne is grateful for the career growth opportunities provided, such as blood withdrawal courses and Healthy Champion courses.

As the pharmacy profession continues to evolve, the role of ACTs is set to become even more integral. With professionals like Anne Ausden leading the way, the future of pharmacy practice looks promising, with ACTs at the forefront of delivering high-quality patient care.