Evaluation of Vaccination Training in Pharmacy Curriculum: Preparing Students for Workforce Needs

Abstract

Background: To introduce and evaluate a university vaccination training program, preparing final year Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) students to administer vaccinations to children and adults in community pharmacy and offsite (mobile and outreach) settings. Methods: Final year BPharm and MPharm students were trained to administer intramuscular vaccinations to adults and children. The education program embedded in pharmacy degree curriculum was congruent with the requirements of the Australian National Immunisation Education Framework. The training used a mix of pedagogies including online learning; interactive lectures; and simulation, which included augmented reality and role play. All pharmacy students completing the program in 2019 were required to carry out pre- and post-knowledge assessments. Student skill of vaccination was assessed using an objective structured clinical assessment rubric. Students were invited to complete pre and post questionnaires on confidence. The post questionnaire incorporated student evaluation of learning experience questions. Results: In both cohorts, student vaccination knowledge increased significantly after the completion of the vaccination training program; pre-intervention and post-intervention mean knowledge score (SD) of BPharm and MPharm were (14.3 ± 2.7 vs. 22.7 ± 3.3; p < 0.001) and (15.7 ± 2.9 vs. 21.4 ± 3.2; p < 0.001) respectively. There was no difference between the BPharm and MPharm in the overall knowledge test scores, (p = 0.81; p = 0.95) pre and post scores respectively. Using the OSCA rubric, all students (n = 52) were identified as competent in the skill of injection and could administer an IM deltoid injection to a child and adult mannequin. Students agreed that the training increased their self-confidence to administer injections to both children and adults. Students found value in the use of mixed reality to enhance student understanding of the anatomy of injection sites. Conclusion: The developed vaccination training program improved both student knowledge and confidence. Pharmacy students who complete such training should be able to administer vaccinations to children and adults, improving workforce capability. Mixed reality in the education of pharmacy students can be used to improve student satisfaction and enhance learning.

Immunization training for pharmacy students: a student-centered evaluation

“…Although the training curricula in previous Australian studies differed, they all aligned with the National Framework, which may explain this general consistency and build on the national and international evidence that students can administer vaccines safely. 14,17,18,21,29 There were no significant differences in any of the four domains in the pre-or post-questionnaire between BPharm (Hons) and MPharm students, suggesting the training received in each program was consistent. Whilst it was not possible to prevent sharing of experiences between BPharm (Hons) and MPharm students yet to undergo the training, the questionnaire was designed to elicit individuals' reflections and experiences, rather than being a knowledge or skills examination that may benefit from prior insight into the content.…”

“…This recommendation is in line with findings reported in numerous Australian and international studies in the past decade, all varying in design. [16][17][18][21][22][23][24][25][26] Our study is the first to analyze intrastudent changes in four domains -Confidence, Self-Perceived Knowledge, Self-Perceived Skills and Attitudesand we recommend our use of a respondent-generated, replicable code to enable matching of pre-and posttraining questionnaires while retaining anonymity. Although the training curricula in previous Australian studies differed, they all aligned with the National Framework, which may explain this general consistency and build on the national and international evidence that students can administer vaccines safely.…”

“…Although the training curricula in previous Australian studies differed, they all aligned with the National Framework, which may explain this general consistency and build on the national and international evidence that students can administer vaccines safely. 14 , 17 , 18 , 21 , 29 …”

“…Subsequently, Bushell et al introduced and evaluated a bespoke immunization training program for pharmacy students at the University of Canberra, reporting significant pre-post improvements in mean knowledge scores of 52 respondents, along with positive feedback about value of the training. 18 However, these studies did not report matched pre-post responses, and were relatively broad in scope and analysis. An international literature review confirmed the willingness of pharmacy students to become immunizers, with an estimated 90% of American Pharmacy Schools providing immunization training by 2019.…”

“…The other Australian studies collected qualitative data via follow-up telephone interviews or freetext survey responses. [16][17][18] A mixed-methods quantitative stage followed by timely in-depth qualitative exploration of findings would be ideal. Our study was a point-in-time survey; hence data on the rates of students who become vaccinating pharmacists once registered to practice is unknown.…”