5-2-06 Drug Topics Letter to the Editor

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Letters to the editor

Technicians and DUR alerts.

May 2, 2005

Drug Topics

Dear All,

Here is a copy of a tech's opinion on a Drug Topic Tech article:

" Regarding your March 21 Viewpoint on whether technicians should run

the pharmacy computer, I have been a pharmacy technician for 16 years.

I have been a certified pharmacy technician for 10 years. I take great

pride in my career and that is why I stay within the guidelines of my

job. I understand the complications of DUR interventions and that is

why—even if I can decide to override an intervention—I still print out

or copy the screen for the pharmacist to see in the final check of the

prescription. I have all the technicians who work with me do the same.

What I find shameful is the handful of pharmacists who do not take

pride in their license; instead, they tell the tech to override the

problem. Not only is this unsafe to the patient but it can cost

pharmacists their license. I wish every company would create a policy

requiring DUR alerts to be printed out for the final review of the

prescription. This policy would save lives and time in the long run.

Technicians may not have the same education as pharmacists, but I

believe they have the same responsibility to the patient: " Do no

harm. " Charlotte , CPhT Vero Beach, Fla. "

http://www.drugtopics.com/drugtopics/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=158397 & pageID=\

1 & sk= & date=

After writing my opinion to the Editor I was asked to write a feature

article which was published in the Veiwpoint section. On the e-zine it

is the fourth article listed. But in the hard copy sent to me by Janet

Liles it is the LAST page in the paper magazine! I was just wondering

if Drug Topics hardback always prints Viewpoint in the back?

Any way I think MORE techs should voice their opinions in this

magazine and any other avenue !

Congratulations to Charlotte Tompson CphT Vero Beach, Fla