Training student pharmacists to administer long-acting injectable medications

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Medication Administration
• Pharmacist Training

Background:

• New Maryland regulations permit pharmacists to administer maintenance injectable medications.
• The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy established a training laboratory to address these new regulations.
• This initiative focuses on long-acting injectable medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the details of a newly developed laboratory training course.
• To outline future directions for pharmacist training in administering long-acting injectable medications.
• To provide a model for training on medication reconstitution and administration.

Main Methods:

• The training laboratory incorporated a review of relevant regulations.
• Hands-on training included medication reconstitution and administration techniques.
• Patient and caregiver education on long-acting injectable medications was also covered.

Main Results:

• The initial training laboratory successfully trained 94 student pharmacists.
• The program has been expanded to include practicing pharmacists and other healthcare providers.
• Over 300 practitioners have participated in the learning lab to date.

Conclusions:

• This training represents a novel approach, integrating both reconstitution and administration of long-acting injectable medications.
• The program is adaptable for various healthcare professionals, enhancing medication administration skills.
• The established laboratory provides a framework for future educational initiatives in advanced medication administration.