Evaluation of the first pharmacist-administered vaccinations in Western Australia: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the uptake of Western Australian (WA) pharmacist vaccination services, the profiles of consumers being vaccinated and the facilitators and challenges experienced by pharmacy staff in the preparation, implementation and delivery of services.DesignMixed-methods methodology with both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, pharmacy computer records and immuniser pharmacist interviews.SettingCommunity pharmacies in WA that provided pharmacist vaccination services between March and October 2015.ParticipantsImmuniser pharmacists from 86 pharmacies completed baseline surveys and 78 completed exit surveys; computer records from 57 pharmacies; 25 immuniser pharmacists were interviewed.Main outcome measuresPharmacy and immuniser pharmacist profiles; pharmacist vaccination services provided and consumer profiles who accessed services.Results15 621 influenza vaccinations were administered by immuniser pharmacists at 76 WA community pharmacies between March and October 2015. There were no major adverse events, and <1% of consumers experienced minor events which were appropriately managed. Between 12% and 17% of consumers were eligible to receive free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program but chose to have it at a pharmacy. A high percentage of vaccinations was delivered in rural and regional areas indicating that provision of pharmacist vaccination services facilitated access for rural and remote consumers. Immuniser pharmacists reported feeling confident in providing vaccination services and were of the opinion that services should be expanded to other vaccinations. Pharmacists also reported significant professional satisfaction in providing the service. All participating pharmacies intended to continue providing influenza vaccinations in 2016.ConclusionsThis initial evaluation of WA pharmacist vaccination services showed that vaccine delivery was safe. Convenience and accessibility were important aspects in usage of services. There is scope to expand pharmacist vaccination services to other vaccines and younger children; however, government funding to pharmacists needs to be considered.

Pharmacist health coaching in Australian community pharmacies: What do pharmacy professionals think?

“…The interviews with stakeholders raised several barriers to the integration of health coaching services into Australian community pharmacy practice. A similar discussion arose when the case for pharmacist administered vaccinations was considered in Australia (Bushell, Yee, Ball, & Ball, ; Hattingh et al, ). These encompassed patient safety, pharmacist skills and remuneration (Burt, Hattingh, & Czarniak, ; Hattingh et al, ).…”

“…Over the past decade, several initiatives that have improved the health and well‐being of the community have been introduced by pharmacists in Australia (Howarth et al, ). An example of this is the introduction of pharmacist vaccination services (Hattingh et al, ; Howarth et al, ). The service was introduced to improve accessibility to vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease within the community (Hattingh et al, ).…”

“…An example of this is the introduction of pharmacist vaccination services (Hattingh et al, ; Howarth et al, ). The service was introduced to improve accessibility to vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease within the community (Hattingh et al, ). Evaluation of the service showed that immunisation rates against influenza in the areas where pharmacists provide vaccinations increased, in particular for individuals aged more than 65 years.…”

Exploring oral healthcare management across Australian community pharmacies using case vignettes

“…For example, a community pharmacist intervention to improve cholesterol management in patients at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events led to significant reductions in CV risk with minimal anticipated costs to pharmacies and Government . Influenza vaccinations delivered by trained pharmacists are a highly convenient and accessible option that has the potential to positively improve vaccination rates among high‐risk patients, first‐time users or infrequent vaccine recipients regardless where the vaccine was administered or the setting …”

“…6,7 Influenza vaccinations delivered by trained pharmacists are a highly convenient and accessible option that has the potential to positively improve vaccination rates among high-risk patients, first-time users or infrequent vaccine recipients regardless where the vaccine was administered or the setting. [8][9][10] One area where community pharmacies are often underrecognized for their contribution is within oral health care. In Australia, the majority of pharmacists and assistants (80% and 84%, respectively) reported providing oral health consultations up to five times or more each week.…”