Results of developing immunization system operational model for pharmacists working in hospitals in Health Region 7

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a model to enhance the immunization system capacity for pharmacists working in hospitals in Health Region 7. The curriculum model was designed and developed, ensuring the model is appropriate to the needs of pharmacists engaged in immunization working in the hospital. The research and development study consists of 4 steps. Step 1, research phase 1 (R1), a survey of the pharmacists' developmental needs was conducted. Step 2, development phase 1 (D1), a curriculum model was designed and developed for building pharmacists’ capacity in immunization work. Step 3, research phase 2 (R2), the curriculum model was trialed in practice to assess its effectiveness in building pharmacists' capacities. Step 4, development phase 2 (D2), the results from the curriculum trials were evaluated, which included the assessment of pharmacists' training, the immunization system, follow-up after training, and feedback from supervisors. The tools used include pre- and post-training tests, as well as post-training evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Regarding the needs assessment survey of 54 pharmacists in step 1, the greatest demand expressed by pharmacists was for knowledge in vaccines and vaccination principles (77.8%), followed by vaccine management and cold chain systems (66.7%). Step 2 involved the development of a curriculum based on the pharmacists’ interest areas, that was adapted from the National Vaccine Institute’s 2018 immunization program for healthcare workers, consisting of 6 lessons. In step 3, pharmacists were trained for 2 days using both on-site (44 participants) and online (62 participants) formats. Both on-site and online participants had significantly higher post-training knowledge levels compared to pre-training (p-value<0.001). Finally, step 4 involved interviewing supervisors and trainees, the feedback indicated that trainees were able to appropriately apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training to their work. The assessment of the immunization standards, including vaccine storage and pharmacy practices in hospitals, showed a 100% pass rate. The program successfully enhanced the capabilities of pharmacists working on immunization in hospitals, which in turn contributed to the provision of high-quality vaccines to the target population.