Focused Preceptor Feedback Assessing Student Pharmacists’ Ability to Administer Pediatric Immunizations

To evaluate experiential pharmacy preceptor perceptions of student pharmacists’ ability to administer pediatric immunizations. Semi-structured, qualitative key informant interviews using the Outcomes Evaluation Framework were conducted with 10 pharmacist preceptors in outpatient community pharmacies where pediatric immunizations were provided. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and deidentified prior to analysis by the research team. Qualitative analysis and thematic coding procedures were used to identify relevant themes. Saturation was met after 10 pharmacists participated. All stated that it was beneficial for student pharmacists to administer pediatric vaccines if trained in proper technique. Participants acknowledged that the training students currently receive in immunization administration within the PharmD curriculum is valuable but did identify general confidence and child-comforting techniques during and after vaccination as areas of improvement for students. Just-in-time training, preceptor coaching, and hands-on practice outside of the didactic curriculum were utilized to help build confidence. Barriers to the implementation or expansion of pediatric immunization delivered by students in community pharmacies were identified as competing priorities, time, and reimbursement. Student pharmacists can be helpful in easing the challenges of incorporating pediatric immunization services into the community pharmacy setting. Results demonstrate that the integration of student pharmacists into these services is beneficial. Pediatric immunizations are still relatively new to many pharmacists and specific training for pediatric immunization administration may not be integrated into all Doctor of Pharmacy curricula but the experiential education of pediatric immunization training can be beneficial to help prepare student pharmacists for hands-on practice.