Using her full scope to spur innovative practice earns Melodie Spielman Technician Initiative Award

Why she wonIn the short time that Apothecare Pharmacy has been in operation (it opened in April 2023), lead pharmacy technician Melodie Spielman has already demonstrated an uncanny ability to find and fill care gaps to enhance patient care, while easing pharmacist workload.The Calgary-based pharmacy has a unique practice model, with several pharmacist-led medical clinics to help patients manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Taking advantage of her full scope of practice, Spielman asked her pharmacist colleagues to teach her how to take accurate automated blood pressure readings and heights and weights of patients, as well as how to use blood glucose monitors and complete a diabetic foot exam. Once Spielman felt comfortable enough, she became the initial point of contact for those coming into the pharmacy for appointments and now streamlines the first 15 minutes by gathering all the data for a pharmacist assessment. Depending on the appointment outcome, she is the one who teaches patients how to use their blood pressure monitors and blood glucose machines. She is also certified in compression stocking fittings, which has become a critical service for numerous patients who struggle with peripheral edema due to heart failure. Spielman is doing all of this on top of streamlining the pharmacy’s processes.Her nominator noted that these practice changes have proved incredibly beneficial to the entire pharmacy team. “They have freed up the time of our pharmacists and ensured that fewer data points are missed or forgotten—and improved the overall care of our patients with more thorough pharmacists’ assessments able to take place.”Q&A: What's your favourite part of your job? I have worked in retail pharmacy for more than 30 years and patient interactions would be my favourite part. I have seen the pharmacy profession change and grow. It is an amazing journey. Pharmacy technicians aren’t just counting pills or running the cash register. It’s about engaging with patients, listening, talking, documenting, being aware of the needs of our patients, advocating for them with insurance or finding other resources and information to support them or their families. We need to have time for our patients. Health care shouldn’t be a rushed service where people feel like a number. What advice would you give a young pharmacy tech? Use your scope of practice to the fullest. If you ever find your profession feels stale it may be because you need a new challenge in your scope. Remember what pharmacy is truly about and find that passion.What's your most effective way to combat stress? It’s an ongoing process. The easiest thing to do is walk away and take deep breaths. Sometimes I will just stand where I am, raise my arms and do deep breathing and stretching. I have learned not to take work home with me. Communicating with the people who support me is important too, whether that’s my pharmacy family, friends or my own family. Eating healthy and exercise is part of my routine as well. Is there a mentor or role model who has inspired you in your career? From the beginning of my career, I have had many mentors. It continues in my current work environment with pharmacists Stephanie Gysel, Daniel Burton and Christine Hong. However, in 1991 if it wasn’t for Bill Ford and Mayuri Modgill who provided the opportunity and training required, I would not be in this wonderful profession. In 2013, the scope of assistants and technicians started changing across Canada. I felt I was too old to go to school to become registered. Again, pharmacists Erica Skopac and Selam Woldemichael believed in me. In 2015, I completed all my exams as a registered pharmacy technician.Is there something you'd like to try next in your career? Preparing and administering injections to patients. Training patients how to self-administer injections at home. I would like this to be in the scope of practice for Alberta pharmacy technicians. I feel there is a great need in our practice for technicians to have this knowledge and skill-set.Alberta pharmacists’ scope of practice has changed to a much-needed more patient care/clinical role. However, the demand has increased their workload significantly. Pharmacy technicians should be able to relieve more of the technical stresses for the pharmacist.Describe your perfect day off. It includes a warm, sunny day at our trailer, then taking a long walk in the wilderness, returning to relax by the pool or having a nap, and then enjoying an evening of good food, drinks and games with family and friends. You can read about all the 2023 winners here.If reading these stories makes you think of someone you know who’s deserving of an award (including perhaps, yourself?), you can sign up to be notified when the entry process opens for 2024 by filling out this form.

Using her full scope to spur innovative practice earns Melodie Spielman Technician Initiative Award

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