Impact of the RxVaccinate program for pharmacy-based pneumococcal immunization: A cluster-randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Public Health Interventions
• Vaccination Programs

Background:

• Community pharmacies play a vital role in public health, including vaccine administration.
• The RxVaccinate program was developed to enhance pharmacy-based vaccination services.
• Evaluating program impact on structure, process, and outcomes is crucial for optimizing public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the RxVaccinate program's effect on pharmacy vaccination services.
• To compare the impact of self-directed training versus training with added coaching.
• To understand team leaders' perceptions of the RxVaccinate program's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized experimental design was employed in community pharmacies.
• Pharmacists received either self-directed training or training plus expert/peer coaching.
• Outcomes measured included structure/process indicators and pneumococcal vaccination rates.

Main Results:

• Pharmacies in the coaching group demonstrated higher completion rates of structure and process indicators.
• Both groups showed significant increases in pneumococcal vaccinations administered.
• The coaching group experienced a statistically greater increase in vaccinations compared to the self-directed group.

Conclusions:

• The RxVaccinate program, particularly with added coaching, effectively increased pharmacist-administered pneumococcal vaccinations.
• Enhanced structure and process indicators in the coaching group likely contributed to greater vaccination increases.
• Further research should identify specific indicators that drive success in pharmacy vaccination programs.