Pharmacy patient perceptions of pharmacy technicians as immunizers

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Public Health
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Community pharmacies are expanding services, including immunizations.
• Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in pharmacy operations.
• Patient acceptance is key to integrating new roles for pharmacy staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perceptions of receiving immunizations from pharmacy technicians.
• To identify factors influencing patient comfort levels with technician-administered immunizations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• 12-item interview script administered to 46 walk-in patients.
• Interviews conducted in community pharmacies in a state where technician immunization is permissible but not yet implemented.

Main Results:

• Patients generally support technicians administering immunizations to improve accessibility and reduce wait times.
• Trust, personal relationships with technicians, and knowledge of proper training positively influenced patient comfort.
• Patients perceived this role expansion as beneficial for balancing pharmacy workload.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacy patients are receptive to pharmacy technicians administering immunizations.
• Findings offer insights for pharmacy leaders implementing technician-led immunization programs.
• Addressing patient comfort through training and relationship-building is essential.