Exciting opportunity for Pharmacy Technicians to contribute to health equality research

The Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative led by with Professor Mahendra Patel OBE Centre for Research Equity University of Oxford in recruiting participants to the national Genes & Health Study at Queen Mary, University of London. APTUK are delighted to be working with Professor Mahendra Patel on this fantastic opportunity, as this initiative will utilise Pharmacy Technicians and their skillsets as registered autonomous pharmacy professionals to support essential health inequalities work. Additionally, it provides Pharmacy Technicians the opportunity to gain experience in research in a community pharmacy setting. 

Nicola Stockmann, President of APTUK, told us:  

"APTUK are delighted to be working with Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, the Centre for Research Equity and the CRN Thames Valley and South Midlands on a wonderful opportunity for a health equity study which Pharmacy Technicians in independent community pharmacy settings can support delivery of. With remuneration available for both the individual Pharmacy Technicians and the pharmacies that sign up for this, it recognises the value and skills provided in community pharmacy." 

Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, Director of the Centre for Research Equity at the University of Oxford, added:  

"Making effective use of the skills of the wider pharmacy workforce is something that I've been focusing on for some time through the Centre for Research Equity. I am now delighted that we have secured funding through Oxford Thames Valley and South Midlands CRN to provide training and to innovatively engage Pharmacy Technicians and APTUK into health research within the community setting. This initiative aims to support the recruitment of participants from Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities and is an exciting and groundbreaking opportunity to help reduce health inequalities through inclusive research, and equally recognising and valuing the important role of pharmacy professionals in supporting research equity." 

The Genes & Health study seeks to identify novel methods to enhance health among the UK’s Bangladeshi and Pakistani populations. This long-term, not-for-profit study involves 100,000 participants aged 16 and over, both with and without health issues, who identify as Bangladeshi or Pakistani. These groups face significantly higher rates of diabetes—five times that of the rest of the population—and experience poorer health across several measures, including cardiovascular disease and mental health. 

By examining the genetic factors that influence health and disease, the study aims to develop better treatments and preventive measures. Ultimately, Genes & Health aspires to bring the benefits of modern genomics to these under-researched communities, therefore promoting health equality. 

To effectively reach the target population, APTUK is looking to onboard 10-15 Pharmacy Technicians from independent community pharmacies in the Oxford Thames Valley & South Midlands region in areas such as Banbury, Oxford City, Reading, Slough, High Wycombe, and Aylesbury to assist with the recruitment of eligible participants both at their pharmacies and within their local communities. Training will be provided to ensure good clinical practice, as well as a full briefing on the Genes & Health Study. The added benefit for those taking part – both team members and the pharmacy as whole - is that the NIHR Good Clinical Practice training will help to build your research infrastructure and would enable the staff member in the pharmacy to take part in future clinical trials. All necessary study materials are also provided by the study team. 

Finally, thanks to funding from CRN Thames Valley and South Midlands, pharmacies participating in this initiative will receive funding for the recruitment of participants, to support community outreach planning and local travel expenses for outreach events, as well as compensation for training time. 

To secure funding, interested pharmacies need to identify a lead Pharmacy Technician, complete the required online training, by mid-September 2024.

This initiative represents a unique opportunity for Pharmacy Technicians to expand their roles and make a significant impact on public health. By participating, you will help advance vital research that could transform healthcare for underrepresented communities. 

For more details and to get involved, please visit Genes & Health or contact  mahendra.patel@phc.ox.ac.uk or joanne.carter@nihr.ac.uk directly.