Objective. To create and implement a compounding laboratory exercise utilizing a variety of techniques and equipment. Design. A 3-hour laboratory exercise on preparing compound prescriptions for capsules was developed and taught to first-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students. Students completed appropriate preparations and calculation of ingredients and prepared capsules using a hand-packing technique and a capsule-filling machine. The students then individually weighed the capsules and performed batch testing for uniformity. Assessment. Ninety-six percent of the students who completed the laboratory performed the necessary calculations for machine-prepared capsules correctly and 100% completed the calculations for the hand-filled capsules correctly. With the hand-filled capsules, 100% of the students processed all 4 units within 65% of the stated capsule weight and capsules were deemed successful and accurate. Conclusion. Students acquired a firm grasp of basic compounding techniques and the skills to prepare accurate, safe, and uniform dosage forms for patients.
Introduction
Pharmacists are able to provide vaccinations in all 50 states and student pharmacists are able to provide vaccinations in most states. Community pharmacists and student pharmacists are in a position to impact many patients due to their accessibility.
Objectives
To assess the impact on the number of influenza vaccines administered in community pharmacies after student pharmacists were granted the authority to vaccinate and to identify geographical disparities in student placements.
Methods
This is a prepost study that compared the number of influenza vaccinations given in community pharmacies in West Virginia before and after student pharmacists were given the authority to vaccinate. Vaccination data were obtained for two 6‐month periods over two consecutive influenza seasons. Community pharmacy advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE) placement data was obtained from all three schools of pharmacy in the state. Geographical Information Systems software was used to produce maps by zip code. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.
Results
APPE students were placed in community pharmacies in 43 different zip codes throughout the state from August 2015 to January 2016. Although the total number of vaccinations given across the state increased during the post period, there was no statistically significant difference in the average number of vaccinations given in the zip codes where student pharmacists were placed. Analysis of mapping output revealed many geographical gaps in student placement with most placements occurring near schools of pharmacy in the state.
Conclusions
An increase in the number of vaccinations was not observed across the state after student pharmacists were able to provide vaccinations. Disparities in the placement of APPE students throughout West Virginia were identified through this research. There are numerous areas that lack APPE student placement, which provide an opportunity for strategic placement of students in the future to meet the unmet needs of these communities.
Background: The CDC has issued interim guidance on administering influenza vaccines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic including providing specific appointment times. A large chain pharmacy has adopted this guidance and is encouraging patients to make appointments rather than a walk-in visit for the influenza vaccination to help avoid large crowds.
Objective(s): This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza vaccination rates (2019 versus 2020 season) and patient appointments versus walk-in visits. The second goal of this study is to evaluate patient satisfaction with the influenza vaccination process.
Methods: Influenza vaccine data was collected from the chain pharmacy online database from the first week in September to the last week in December during 2019 to 2020 and from 2020 to 2021. The second part of this study included a voluntary survey to be completed by the patient regarding satisfaction and thoughts about the 2020-2021 influenza vaccination process.
Results: The six stores identified showed an overall 7.6% increase in influenza vaccination rates from the 2019-2020 season to the 2020-2021 season (p-value= 0.73). There were a total of 15 survey respondents amongst the stores of which 100% of the patients were at least slightly comfortable with the vaccination process and very satisfied overall.
Conclusion: The six pharmacy locations within a large chain revealed that COVID-19 had a positive impact on influenza vaccination rates. Although these results were not statistically significant, this study sets the framework for future vaccination studies.
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