An introductory pharmacy practice experience to improve pertussis immunization rates in mothers of newborns

To implement an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) involving discharge counseling on postpartum pertussis immunization recommendations and evaluate its impact on student learning and patient immunization rates.

Seventeen pharmacy students provided verbal and written information based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations regarding pertussis immunization for mothers and caregivers of newborns.

Educational and clinical outcomes were evaluated using student documentation and pharmacy records. Students completed 615 IPPE hours and provided 1,263 consultations. Students reported that 52% of mothers requested immunization, 27% were undecided, 11% had previously been immunized, and 10% declined. Following counseling, immunization rates, as a percentage of total births, significantly increased by 18.5%. Learning objectives of enhanced counseling and documentation skills were achieved.

IPPE students provided patient counseling in an institutional setting that contributed to healthcare team efforts to increase pertussis immunization rates in mothers of newborns. This IPPE may serve as a potential model for additional student involvement in discharge counseling.