Hospital Pharmacy in Canada: What’s New?
The newly released Hospital Pharmacy in Canada (HPC) Survey Report 2023/24 offers one of the most comprehensive snapshots of hospital pharmacy practice nationwide. It also shines a spotlight on the evolving role of pharmacy technicians in hospital settings.
The Full Report is available here: HPCS-2023-24-Report-ENG.rev.March.10.2026.pdf
Here are key takeaways:
Expanded Scope and Role Optimization Are National Priorities
A major theme in the report is the optimization of pharmacy technician roles to meet increasing healthcare demands. Hospitals are actively looking for ways to maximize the full scope of practice for regulated pharmacy technicians to free up pharmacists for clinical care and implement best practices in workflow design.
Workforce Pressures Are Driving Change
The pharmacy workforce is under pressure—and pharmacy technicians are part of the solution. The report highlights workforce trends and staffing challenges, the need for sustainable staffing models, an increasing reliance on pharmacy technicians to maintain service levels amid shortages.
Technology Is Reshaping Pharmacy Technician Practice
While detailed in multiple sections of the report, the implications of increased use of automation and dispensing technologies are clear, Pharmacy technicians are often at the forefront of managing automation technologies and supporting digital workflows.
The Big Picture: A Profession in Transition
Overall, the 2023/24 survey paints a clear picture: Pharmacy technician practice in Canada is evolving rapidly, driven by system pressures, technological advancement, and the need for safer, more efficient care.
Pharmacy technicians are taking on expanded responsibilities, becoming indispensable in system design and delivery and helping shape the future of hospital pharmacy practice.
What This Means for Pharmacy Technicians
The HPC 2023/24 report confirms what many of us already know from experience. As the profession continues to evolve, pharmacy technicians are well-positioned to lead, innovate, and advocate for the future of practice.
- Advocacy matters: Continued efforts to support full scope practice are validated by national data
- Professional growth is essential: Skills in technology, safety, and systems thinking are increasingly critical
- Leadership opportunities are growing: Pharmacy technicians are positioned to influence workflow design, policy, and quality improvement
Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.