Just how severe a problem does Columbia SC have with technology addiction? In seeking answers to this question, this Examiner has sought out various professionals in the Columbia community and considering this is an “addiction” column, what professional could possibly be better than a local pharmacist? Thusly, Ms Vera Tumbling, head pharmacist of a local retail Rx for a nationally well known pharmacy chain enters the conversation:
Ms Tumbling was asked about the problems she sees arising from technology addiction. The seasoned pharmacist responds with voluminous reports depicting customers coming to counters or drive through windows with cell phones in their ears and paying far more attention to a conversation than the prescription transaction they came to the store for. Ms. Tumbling reports that it is impossible for her to do her job as a conscientious pharmacist when the patient/customer is not paying attention. Ms. Tumbling goes on to describe the brief interaction that takes place between a pharmacist and a patient when she indicates she always needs a few brief seconds to explain the patients medication and any side effects or complications that may arise from taking the new prescription.
If these few moments were not frustrating enough, reports Ms Tumbling, the experienced pharmacist goes on to explain the federal guidelines she must function within, otherwise known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Act), where she is bound by federal law to operate within certain restrictions regarding the patients or customers privacy. Ms Tumbling explains “it is impossible to communicate with people that are paying more attention to a private phone conversation than what she has to say”.
If customer issues were not enough, Ms Tumbling continues to explain, further difficulties encountered escalate with young / newer employees that simply insist on using their cell phones, Facebook and other technologies while on the job. Ms Tumbling explains that all national pharmaceutical employers have now adopted corporate guidelines and policies policing the personal use of today’s technologies. Ms Tumbling explains in her company, it is against corporate policy to log Facebook entries making any comments regarding the company or work related issues. The pharmacist explains that breaching this policy is punishable by immediate termination!
Have I mentioned you can Google me?
If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
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