Pharmacy technicians are increasingly central to obesity care, supporting medication access, workflow efficiency, and patient engagement in ambulatory settings.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Logan Franck, PharmD, BCACP, clinical assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, discussed the expanding role of pharmacy technicians in obesity care, particularly in ambulatory and community settings where medication access and care coordination are critical.
Franck emphasized that his experience working alongside technicians in ambulatory care inspired his focus on their role, noting that technicians are already deeply involved in facilitating medication access—one of the most significant barriers in obesity treatment. As demand for obesity therapies increases, particularly with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, technicians are becoming essential in navigating complex access pathways.
He explained that technicians are evolving beyond traditional dispensing roles into more active contributors in patient care. In obesity management, this includes identifying coverage options, exploring therapeutic alternatives, and streamlining access to high-cost medications. For example, technicians may recognize when an alternative GLP-1 therapy or oral option has better insurance coverage, allowing for more efficient treatment initiation.
Franck also highlighted technicians’ role in workflow optimization and patient engagement. As frontline team members, technicians often interact with patients early in the care process, helping establish communication and continuity. However, he stressed that to be effective in these roles, technicians must have a foundational understanding of obesity as a disease and its management strategies.
By combining disease-state knowledge with operational responsibilities, technicians can move beyond task-based functions to more meaningful contributions in care delivery. Franck noted that educating technicians on obesity management allows them to better support pharmacists and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, he positioned pharmacy technicians as integral to modern obesity care models, particularly in enhancing access, improving workflow efficiency, and supporting patient-centered care.
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