Identifying Opportunities for Improvement in Safety and Efficacy of Community Pharmacy Immunization Programs. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bazzell, Brian; Kelling, Sarah; Diez, Heidi; Klein, Kristin
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice. Volume 32:Number 4(2019:Aug.)
• Page Start: 428
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: immunizations -- quality assurance -- community pharmacy; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0897190018761410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-1900

Abstract

Objective: To identify opportunities to improve safe and effective immunization delivery in community pharmacies. Methods: Pharmacy managers from chains in Michigan were interviewed about their company's immunizations programs. A survey regarding immunization training, quality assurance measures, pharmacist comfort level immunizing different patient populations, and resources used in practice was distributed to community pharmacists throughout Michigan. Results: Most pharmacists (88.8%) confirmed they received American Pharmacists Association immunization training and felt they followed the guidelines outlined in that training course very well. No routine reassessment of immunization technique was reported. In a minority of respondents, some issues were identified: (1) not being up-to-date on cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as required by state law (7.1%), (2) lack of awareness of location of emergency kit (4.2% for epinephrine, 13.5% for diphenhydramine), and (3) feeling uncomfortable immunizing children (51% for children <7 years). Conclusion: To address quality control issues identified in the survey, we recommend chain pharmacies incorporate credential checks into annual pharmacy training requirements. Pharmacists may benefit from immunization-related continuing education requirements. State pharmacy organizations may want to take the lead in developing the material to ensure that it is timely and abides by state and federal laws.