1. Dr. Donovan M, Mott N, Patel E, Gardner A
Evaluating the roles and responsibilities of Pharmacy technicians in Iowa 
Dr. Donovan M, Mott N, Patel E, Gardner A
Background
Pharmacy technician roles are continuing to evolve and expand as pharmacists move more towards patient centered service and care. Technicians are being relied upon more than ever to aid the pharmacist and achieve positive patient outcomes. 
Educational programs, advanced certifications and additional practice guidelines can establish standards for pharmacy technician roles, but before that we must understand what today's technicians are currently doing. 
Results
The roles of pharmacy technicians are evolving, with increasing duties being delegated to technicians.
Based on responses collected from the survey, pharmacists acknowledge there are many areas for growth within the field.
There are no standardized education programs to allow technicians to develop advanced clinical skills leading to variations between different practice settings. 
Objectives
Discuss the current roles of pharmacy technicians in different practice settings.
Collect data via surveys to determine areas that may need improvement in the fields of community and hospital pharmacy.
Recommend areas and suggestions that can be implemented to improve the current roles and structures of pharmacy technicians in certain fields. 
Conclusion
This project was limited to Iowa. To gain a better understanding of different areas for growth, it may be beneficial to expand the search to a greater population.
Roles of technicians are expanding beyond basic dispensing tasks, and pharmacists appear to support the development of these advanced roles in the future. 
Although there are no defined roles outlined, different institutional and community pharmacies have already undergone training of technicians in these supporting clinical roles. 
Methods
Literature review over roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians and how they have evolved 
Meeting with a Pharmacy Tech Supervisor at UIHC- a large teaching hospital  
Two surveys were developed, specifically designed for pharmacies in institutional settings and community pharmacies in Iowa. 
Responses were sent and recorded through Qualtrics. 
Survey responses provided input from pharmacists regarding potential areas for growth. 
References
Desselle, Shane P, et al. “Work Preferences and General Abilities Among US Pharmacy Technicians and Danish Pharmaconomists .” Journal of Pharmacy Practice , Sage Journals , 18 Aug. 2018, doi-org.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/ /
Koehler, Tamara C, et al. “Developing a Competency Framework for Pharmacy Technicians: Perspectives from the Field.” Science Direct, Elsevier, 26 June 2018,