Implementation of a mandatory immunization certification course with co-curricular components within a Pharm.D....

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Immunization Practice
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Traditional pharmacy curricula offered limited training in immunization concepts and techniques.
• Prior to 2013, pharmacy students' skills in patient interviewing and injection administration were assessed using specific objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) criteria.
• There was a need to expand training beyond basic intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.

Observation:

• Pre-2013 data showed pharmacy students (P1 and P2) scoring an average of 68-75% in patient interviewing and 86-88% in injection techniques.
• Post-2024 data revealed significant improvements in P2 students' performance after the updated immunization lab course.
• Students achieved 95% in interview criteria and 98% in both intramuscular and subcutaneous injection techniques.

Findings:

• The updated, semester-long immunization course led to a marked improvement in pharmacy students' objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores.
• Students demonstrated enhanced proficiency in patient screening interviews and injection administration techniques.
• The new curriculum positively impacted both the acquisition and retention of critical immunization-related skills.

Implications:

• Developing specialized, expanded immunization certification courses within pharmacy curricula is beneficial for student performance.
• Enhanced training improves student retention of patient interviewing and administration techniques.
• This model can serve as a benchmark for improving pharmacy student competency in immunization services.