Poster Session #1: UC Ballroom
Vaccination Practices and Barriers In Anchorage Pharmacies
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Katherine Hale
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Pharmacy
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Vaccinations have played a vital role in furthering public health by preventing potential life-threatening diseases, and the influenza vaccine is no exception. Administration of vaccines by pharmacists is common throughout the United States and is both an important and convenient service to patients. However, pharmacists often view these services as burdensome due to their time-consuming process and workflow interruption. The study objective was to evaluate current practices and identify specific barriers that pharmacists face regarding influenza vaccine administration in Anchorage, Alaska community pharmacies. Upon approval from campus IRB, a survey questionnaire was delivered to 32 pharmacy managers specifically asking about perceived barriers to influenza vaccine administration. Thirty questionnaires were returned, achieving a 94% response rate. Three respondents were hospital outpatient pharmacies; 27 were retail stores. Twenty-three pharmacies administered the influenza vaccine to an average of 567 (_520) patients during the 2010-11 influenza season. Of those not administering vaccines, all seven indicated no plans to implement vaccination services. Almost half (48%) of the 23 pharmacies which provided vaccinations and 57% of the seven which did not stated that the two greatest barriers were time constraints and workflow interruption. Lack of approval of collaborative practice agreements with physicians, lack of reimbursement, and corporate policy were also cited. In spite of these barriers, most Anchorage community pharmacies are providing influenza vaccinations. Future research could look to identify methods for overcoming these barriers. Long term, tying this study to national vaccination practices may help identify methods to improve efficiency and further advance the pharmacy profession.
Vaccination Practices and Barriers In Anchorage Pharmacies
UC Ballroom
Vaccinations have played a vital role in furthering public health by preventing potential life-threatening diseases, and the influenza vaccine is no exception. Administration of vaccines by pharmacists is common throughout the United States and is both an important and convenient service to patients. However, pharmacists often view these services as burdensome due to their time-consuming process and workflow interruption. The study objective was to evaluate current practices and identify specific barriers that pharmacists face regarding influenza vaccine administration in Anchorage, Alaska community pharmacies. Upon approval from campus IRB, a survey questionnaire was delivered to 32 pharmacy managers specifically asking about perceived barriers to influenza vaccine administration. Thirty questionnaires were returned, achieving a 94% response rate. Three respondents were hospital outpatient pharmacies; 27 were retail stores. Twenty-three pharmacies administered the influenza vaccine to an average of 567 (_520) patients during the 2010-11 influenza season. Of those not administering vaccines, all seven indicated no plans to implement vaccination services. Almost half (48%) of the 23 pharmacies which provided vaccinations and 57% of the seven which did not stated that the two greatest barriers were time constraints and workflow interruption. Lack of approval of collaborative practice agreements with physicians, lack of reimbursement, and corporate policy were also cited. In spite of these barriers, most Anchorage community pharmacies are providing influenza vaccinations. Future research could look to identify methods for overcoming these barriers. Long term, tying this study to national vaccination practices may help identify methods to improve efficiency and further advance the pharmacy profession.