Pharmacy Workflow

Introduction

  • Overview of the American Pharmacist Association's pharmacy-based immunization delivery certificate training program.

  • Module focus: Pharmacy Workflow for Immunization Services.

  • Learning objectives:

    • Explain the impact of pharmacy practice settings on workflow for immunization services.

    • List scheduling factors affecting vaccine services.

    • Describe roles of support staff in immunization services.

Influence of Pharmacy Practice Setting

  • Patient care settings dictate immunization incorporation in daily routines.

  • Options for integrating services in new pharmacies:

    • Walk-in visits.

    • Appointment-based model.

    • Special clinics (e.g., mass vaccination clinics).

  • Adequate staffing is essential to support both the immunization program and daily pharmacy workflow.

Integrating Vaccination in Community Settings

  • Pharmacists in physician practices:

    • Administer vaccines alongside other care services (e.g., medication management).

  • Long-term care facilities:

    • Schedule vaccination clinics tailored to resident needs.

  • Community pharmacies:

    • Must determine optimal scheduling based on sufficient staffing.

    • Online scheduling improves information verification and workflow.

Appointment-Based Immunization Process

  • Appointment system reduces wait times and facilitates paperwork completion.

  • Steps for handling patient vaccinations:

    • Verification of patient info and administration upon arrival.

    • Review screening forms and provide opportunity for patient questions.

  • Importance of follow-up for vaccination series (e.g., herpes zoster) to ensure adherence.

  • Process for ordering vaccines as needed (e.g., travel vaccines).

Seasonal vs. Year-Round Vaccine Clinics

  • Community pharmacies often hold:

    • Seasonal clinics (e.g., influenza in fall).

    • Year-round clinics for consistent demand (e.g., zoster vaccines).

  • Collaboration with local employers or community organizations can broaden vaccination access.

Integration with Other Patient Care Services

  • Medications therapy management (MTM) can identify needs for vaccinations.

  • Incorporating vaccine discussions into comprehensive medication reviews enhances patient care.

  • Example: Assessing hepatitis B vaccine needs for diabetic patients.

Staffing and Support Personnel Roles

  • Essential to schedule adequate personnel for effective immunization programs.

  • Pharmacy support roles include:

    • Pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists, clerks.

  • Responsibilities of support staff:

    • Assist with non-medical tasks to streamline pharmacy workflow.

    • Manage marketing, scheduling, documentation, and inventory related to vaccinations.

Pharmacy Technicians' Role in Vaccination Workflow

  • Technicians and student pharmacists (when permitted) can administer vaccines.

  • Streamlined workflows:

    • Ensure the completion of screening questionnaires.

    • Review vaccine information sheets with patients.

    • Alert pharmacists to any clinical issues noted in screening.

  • After administration, they can:

    • Observe for allergic reactions.

    • Collect and send documentation to primary care providers and state registries.

    • Manage billing and reimbursement paperwork.

Conclusion

  • The workflow of immunization services is affected by:

    • The practice setting determining the approach to vaccine delivery.

    • Available scheduling options enhancing accessibility for patients.

    • Adequate staffing critical to running an effective program.

  • Support staff play key roles in extending pharmacist capabilities, streamlining processes, and ensuring efficient vaccine delivery.