Pharmacists' perceived barriers and facilitators as immunisers: Mapping COM-B model to support intervention development

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacists were involved in the education and facilitation of vaccine administration, including more recent roles in vaccine administration. Yet there is a lack of reviews about pharmacists' motivation as immunisers to improve understanding of the possible gaps in the uptake of the professional roles. Objective: This review aimed to identify perceived barriers and facilitators of pharmacists as immunisers and mapped across the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behavior (COM-B). Methods: A total of 5429 articles were identified in four databases from inception until December 2022. Studies exploring pharmacists' perceptions and attitudes toward their role in vaccine administration were included. Using thematic analysis, the findings were mapped onto the COM-B model components. All findings are reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Results: Twenty-six studies were included in the review. Themes of facilitators and barriers were identified in components of physical capability (training and certificate program), psychological capability (knowledge and awareness), physical opportunity (time and space), social opportunity (support from patients, staff, and general practitioners), reflective motivation (cost and expansion of role) and automatic motivation (legislation and reimbursement). Conclusion: By integrating these findings into the COM-B framework, a holistic roadmap can assist policymakers in aligning strategies for effective pharmacist-led vaccinations.