7 Patient Communication and Professional Practice Free Online FlashCards

How should a pharmacy technician communicate with patients?

Use a calm, respectful tone, listen without interrupting, and speak in plain language while remaining attentive to communication barriers.

When should technicians confirm a patient's identity?

Use the patient identifiers required by pharmacy procedures before discussing or processing a prescription.

What kind of information may a technician explain within their role?

Technicians may explain routine, nonclinical process information, such as where to wait or what information is needed to process a prescription.

Which medication questions should a technician refer to the pharmacist?

Refer questions about a medication's purpose, use, side effects, safety, missed doses, or treatment choices to the pharmacist.

What should a technician do when asked to recommend a medication change?

Do not diagnose or advise a patient to start, stop, change, or combine medications; refer the question to the pharmacist.

What qualifies as protected health information (PHI)?

Protected health information (PHI) is information that identifies a patient and relates to their health, care, or payment.

What are practical safeguards for protecting patient information?

Access only information needed for assigned work, keep screens and paperwork from public view, use approved communication channels, and avoid being overheard.

What does HIPAA's minimum necessary standard generally require?

The minimum necessary standard generally limits PHI use or disclosure to what is needed for a purpose, with exceptions including disclosures to providers for treatment and to the patient.

Can a relative automatically receive a patient's pharmacy information?

A relative, friend, or caller is not automatically authorized to receive patient details. Follow pharmacy procedures and ask the pharmacist if authorization or permitted disclosure is unclear.

What behaviors demonstrate professional conduct in pharmacy practice?

Identify yourself accurately as a pharmacy technician, follow procedures, protect confidential information, and act honestly, dependably, and accountably.

What should a technician do after discovering a possible error?

Promptly notify the pharmacist and follow the pharmacy's reporting process; never conceal a mistake or falsify a record.

What kinds of concerns require pausing and involving the pharmacist?

Pause and involve the pharmacist for possible allergies, interactions, duplicate therapy, adverse effects, unclear directions or doses, suspected dispensing errors, or other safety risks.