Job Description:
Position Summary:
- The Pharmacy Automations Lead is a member of the pharmacy team and acts as an expert resource on the development, implementation, integration, customization, management, evaluation and continuous improvement of pharmacy automation and technology. Additionally, the Pharmacy Automations Lead works in collaboration with the Regional Digital Health team regarding the optimization of the pharmacy information system (MEDITECH), automation and technology through the design and implementation of quality improvement changes, the development of tools and refinement in workflows.
- The Pharmacy Automations Lead oversees all levels of pharmacy automation including, but not limited to, automated dispensing cabinets, IV robotics, automated packaging machines, automated verifiers, automated high density storage systems, medication carts, barcode scanners, labelling software, and interface engines.
- The Pharmacy Automations Lead uses in-depth knowledge of project planning processes and change management to support automation and technological updates across the department.
- The Pharmacy Automations Lead reflects the mission, vision, and values of RVH, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- The Pharmacy Automations Lead participates in the procurement, development, implementation, integration, customization, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of systems, automation, and technology.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Registered Pharmacy Professional an asset, in good standing with the Ontario College of Pharmacists
Experience:
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in a hospital pharmacy setting
- Knowledge and understanding of pharmacy operations and automation
- Good understanding of automated repackaging and distribution systems, computerized unit dose including sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Experience with MEDITECH EXPANSE modules related to pharmacy
- Experience with project management in a LEAN environment
- Familiar with the components of hospital information systems and how each module interfaces with pharmacy
Competencies:
- Sound problem solving, communications (oral and written), conflict resolution and decision-making skills
- Ability to identify issues, suggest improvements and measure success
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office software
- Demonstrate commitment to the professional growth and development of self and others
- Demonstrate commitment to the concepts of Continuous Quality Improvement
- Highly motivated team player with the ability to collaborate across disciplines/departments/programs
- Positive Change Agent
- Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure
- Contribute to a strong teamwork environment
- Skills and ability to understand impacts to workflow, patient, families and clinicians
- Excellent attendance, punctuality, and employment record
- Strong understanding of pharmacy regulatory bodies such as Ontario College of Pharmacists, Accreditation Canada, and National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) standards
Responsibilities:
- Provide training on medication management systems, automation, and technology for new pharmacy staff as applicable:
- Train new staff on functionality of systems as appropriate
- Train new staff on downtime procedures
- Provide ongoing education relating to medication management systems, automation and technology as applicable:
- New functionality
- New procedures
- Procedure reminders
- Assist users as needed with technical support and application on-boarding
- Resource to pharmacy staff regarding functionality and procedures as they related to medication management systems, automation, and technology
- Ensure pharmacy systems are compliant with and support regulatory guidelines
- Provide data from medication management systems to the pharmacy leadership team in a format suitable to support decision making. Including:
- Drug utilization
- Inventory management
- Medication incidents
- Productivity/workload
- Generate reports required for quality assurance purposes as requested
- Monitor pharmacy inventory levels and systems for accuracy
- Facilitate and participate in interface testing and end-to-end functionality as required
- Facilitate and participate in the implementation of enhancements and updates to existing systems, automation and technology.
- Monitor systems to timely identify system issues related to software, interfaces, and hardware, as well as systems impacts on patients safety and workflow/productivity. Work with vendors to find a solution to issues identified or escalate for further support.
- Maintain oversight over all automation purchases, server upgrade, service agreements, enhancements, and end-of-life dates in order to schedule appropriate upgrades or RFP processes for replacements.
- Pharmacy point of contact during scheduled and unscheduled downtimes
- Manage service levels for automation and technology (submit tickets, field calls, document, coordinate and oversee repairs and preventative maintenances). Meet with automation vendors monthly to ensure timely and relevant information and communication.
- Review transactions rejected by interfaces. When possible, edit/correct the transactions(s) and/or affected databases to facilitate completion of the transaction.
- Design and implement quality improvement changes and assist pharmacy leadership in advancement of pharmacy automation and technology
- Participate in the evaluation of emerging technologies that support the enhancement of Pharmacy Services at RVH.
- Participate in the development and revision of policies and procedures related to medication management and automation.
- Attend relevant meetings and committees.
- Collaborate and promote effective communication between pharmacy staff and Regional Digital Health on all necessary issues
- Provide onsite and remote support as required for automation and technology
- Other duties, as required
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