Participation in emergency preparedness and response: a national survey of pharmacists and pharmacist extenders

Zhao, Yi; Diggs, Kavon; Ha, Dong Ho; Fish, Hannah; Beckner, John; Westrick, Salisa C.

doi:10.1016/j.japh.2021.05.011

Cited by 11 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…2,13,17 In a survey by Bahlol and colleagues, 13 only 21.3% of community pharmacists reported having pandemic training, despite pharmacists' roles in emergency pandemic responses largely involving education. Another survey from Zhao et al 32 reported that most pharmacists and pharmacist extenders were willing to be trained in emergency preparedness. Our study revealed that pharmacists were most interested in training on the specific pandemic vaccine and cold chain requirements.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 pandemic vaccination preparedness strategies for independent community pharmacies

Mercer¹,

Liang²,

Yoon³

et al. 2022

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association

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Objective To determine independent community pharmacist preparedness for COVID-19 vaccination and to identify strategies for COVID-19 pandemic vaccination implementation in Pennsylvania. Methods This study utilized a complementary mixed-methods approach to recruit independent community pharmacists to participate in an electronic survey and two virtually conducted focus groups prior to availability of the first COVID-19 vaccine. Information was gathered and compiled into five topic areas: (1) workflow; (2) resources; (3) staff and patient safety; (4) communication; and (5) documentation and training. Data collection occurred between October and December 2020. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed. A directed, content analysis was conducted to identify strategies for each topic area and supporting quotes were selected. Results Eighty-eight and 11 independent community pharmacists participated in the survey and focus groups, respectively. Because of the small size of most independent pharmacies, participants recommended working with community partners to support offsite mass vaccination clinics. Leveraging partnerships with community organizations and universities could be utilized to support staffing for vaccination efforts. Using an appointment-based immunization model was identified as one tool to optimize patient and staff safety during the pandemic. Pharmacists suggested utilizing existing scheduling tools as well as text messaging and automated phone calls for second-dose reminders. Finally, independent pharmacists recommended further training and process improvements to support vaccine documentation and transmission to Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Information System (PA-SIIS). Conclusion Recommendations from this study were utilized to support planning and preparation for COVID-19 vaccinations across Pennsylvania. Incorporation of pharmacists’ ideas and recommendations on pandemic vaccination implementation is an important strategy to efficiently expand vaccination administration during pandemics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 pandemic vaccination preparedness strategies for independent community pharmacies

Mercer¹,

Liang²,

Yoon³

et al. 2022

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“… 17 There is a lack of training offered to pharmacists on how to be engaged in the four stages of disaster management suggested by the FIP. 3 , 18 This gap underscores the need for initiatives to increase the quantity and quality of emergency preparedness programs to improve pharmacists’ comfort and knowledge during disasters. According to Nazar Z and Nazar H, simulation was the most effective type of training.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hospital Pharmacy Preparedness and Pharmacist Role During Disaster in Saudi Arabia

Aljabri¹,

Bakhsh²,

Baageel³

et al. 2021

RMHP

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Background In case of emergencies, the number and severity of mass casualties may exceed medical services resources. Saudi Arabia is prone to different disasters, and all medical resources should be ready and prepared to serve during disasters. Pharmacists are essential during disasters; however, their roles have not been well studied during disasters in Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study targeted tertiary hospitals in Jeddah. An electronic survey, consisting of 34 questions, was developed and distributed to pharmacy directors or their representatives to investigate the hospital pharmacies’ preparedness and pharmacist roles during disasters in the city of Jeddah. Results Six hospitals participated in the survey, with a 100% response rate. All respondents confirmed the presence of disaster plans involving pharmacy departments. Hospital committee consensuses determined which medication to stock in five hospitals (83.3%). All six respondents (100%) agreed that the following medication supplies were adequate in the event of disasters: analgesics, rapid sequence intubation medications (ie, sedatives and paralytics), respiratory medications, antimicrobials, and maintenance intravenous (IV) fluids. There was disagreement on the adequacy of wound infection prophylaxis, vasopressors/inotropes, antiemetic medications, ophthalmic medications, and antidotes for chemical weapons. There were discrepancies on pharmacist roles during disaster, but hospitals agreed on the following roles: maintain effective distribution and control, collaborate on medication management, and develop and maintain first-aid skills. Conclusion All included facilities have emergency preparedness plans for the hospitals and the pharmacy departments. However, the type and quantities of stocked medications, as well as pharmacist roles, are not well recognized. The results highlight the need for national guidance to enhance and support the preparedness of healthcare facilities.

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“…Pharmacist‐extenders have been defined as pharmacy students, assistants, or technicians who can support the provision of pharmacy services. 5 People came from diverse backgrounds that included administrative staff, laboratory technicians, scientists, veterinary assistants, dentists, and nurses. In addition, students were recruited from across pharmacy, medicine, and nursing.…”

Section: Workforce Capacity and Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As this was not sustainable, the workforce had to be built quickly from the ground up by utilising a variety of personnel that could be trained as ‘pharmacist‐extenders’ to perform key tasks. Pharmacist‐extenders have been defined as pharmacy students, assistants, or technicians who can support the provision of pharmacy services 5 . People came from diverse backgrounds that included administrative staff, laboratory technicians, scientists, veterinary assistants, dentists, and nurses.…”

Section: Workforce Capacity and Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

Building a pharmacy workforce from the ground up to support the COVID‐19 vaccine rollout: lessons learned and recommendations

Patanwala

Burke

McNamara

et al. 2022

Pharmacy Practice and Res

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The COVID‐19 pandemic has required an unprecedented surge in the pharmacy workforce to support mass vaccination hubs. This review discusses the challenges faced while training and credentialing a surge pharmacy workforce and how these challenges were overcome. The process used for training and credentialing new employees has been described and recommendations and insights have been provided based on the lessons learned at two COVID‐19 mass vaccination hubs in New South Wales. Operationalising one of the largest mass vaccination hubs in Australia required efficient training and credentialing of the pharmacy workforce. This process included the use of pharmacist‐extenders such as students, assistants, and those from other healthcare and non‐healthcare backgrounds. Training was optimised by using a flipped classroom model, so that the vaccine preparation process was provided via asynchronous online videos. The videos covered each step of vaccine dose preparation with visual cues to guide appropriate technique. On‐site training involved use of simulation and checklists for credentialing. Many factors contributed to the success of this process, including the use of triaging and the re‐allocation of personnel based on skill level, collaboration with the Sydney Pharmacy School to train and support a surge workforce involving students, initial on‐site information technology support in the form of pharmacy superusers, the use of checklists and guides for troubleshooting, and assigned pharmacy educators to train new employees. The public health response to the COVID‐19 pandemic forced us to rapidly adapt to build a pharmacy workforce in record time to support mass vaccination hubs. The recommendations and insights provided from our experience can guide future surges. Some of these concepts may also be applied to pharmacy practice in hospitals when resources are constrained.

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Participation in emergency preparedness and response: a national survey of pharmacists and pharmacist extenders

Cited by 11 publications

References 24 publications

COVID-19 pandemic vaccination preparedness strategies for independent community pharmacies

COVID-19 pandemic vaccination preparedness strategies for independent community pharmacies

Hospital Pharmacy Preparedness and Pharmacist Role During Disaster in Saudi Arabia

Building a pharmacy workforce from the ground up to support the COVID‐19 vaccine rollout: lessons learned and recommendations

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