Evaluation of pharmacy technician education in relation to community pharmacy vaccination rates

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study are to: (1) examine the impact of an immunization and communication skills-based education program for pharmacy technicians on noninfluenza vaccination rates in supermarket community pharmacies and (2) determine if there is an effect on pharmacy technician job satisfaction as a result of their contributions to patient care after receiving the formal training. Methods: Technicians in the intervention pharmacies will receive formal training with regard to both immunization information and general communication skills. The training program will include a self-study portion and an offsite live seminar. Prior to attending the live seminar, each technician will complete the self-study modules and watch an on-demand presentation. The live seminar portion of the formal training program consists of lecture and active role play. Removing technicians from their job site allows them to focus solely on training without distractions commonly found in a community pharmacy setting. Materials presented beforehand will allow them to attain general baseline knowledge intended to maximize the live learning portion. The active learning component will reinforce what was taught, provide hands-on practice, and allow for real-time feedback from the instructor. This prospective, randomized study will collect data from noninfluenza vaccine transactions over a 3-month span in 28 supermarket pharmacies in Indiana. The pharmacies included in the study were selected and will be randomized based on similar prescription volume and geographic location. Noninfluenza immunization rates will be calculated from the weekly vaccine transaction reports for each pharmacy participating in the study to directly compare the intervention group with the control group. The difference in vaccination rates between the study groups will be analyzed through use of a twosided t test. The impact of the education program on employee satisfaction will be evaluated through a pre-post survey of pharmacy technicians at intervention locations.