The International Pharmacists-as-Immunizers Partnership (IPIP)-Advancing Research on Pharmacist-Administered Immunizations Worldwide.

Richard R Violette,Lisa M Nissen,Sherilyn K D Houle,Nancy M Waite

doi:10.3390/pharmacy7020053

Abstract

This article describes the formation of the International Pharmacists-as-Immunizers Partnership (IPIP), an international network of pharmacy practice researchers with an interest in pharmacist-administered immunizations. Using funds obtained from a university-sponsored grant, a two-day meeting was held at the University of Waterloo in Canada to discuss published and in-progress research on the topic, identify gaps and priorities for future research, and share implementation strategies used in different jurisdictions. Twelve researchers from five countries attended this initial meeting, identified from both personal networks and from authorship lists from published research. Small- and large-group discussions addressed a number of themes, including: clinical, economic and educational outcomes of the service; the perspectives of pharmacists, patients, and other health professionals; operational and policy factors influencing uptake; safety; and the immunizing pharmacist’s role in disaster preparedness. Feedback on our first meeting and outcomes achieved were evaluated on the basis of participant feedback. Key components of the meeting that were considered successful and important lessons learned are summarized, so that other like-minded researchers with a shared pharmacy practice research interest could consider leveraging funding opportunities to establish other international pharmacy practice research networks.

Highlights

Pharmacists worldwide are increasingly being granted the authorization to administer vaccines and other drugs and, in some cases, to receive publicly funded remuneration for this service [1,2].First introduced in the United States nearly 25 years ago [3], pharmacist-administered immunizations have since been adopted across all 50 states in the USA, as well as in a number of other countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and others) [4] and across a broadening range of vaccine and drug products [5,6]
Much of the research on patient outcomes and impact on immunization rates has been conducted in the United States; There has been some unintentional duplication of work done in different jurisdictions; Some areas of research have not been adequately addressed; The identification of similar findings regarding gaps in care and pharmacy operational challenges related to implementation of these services
The International Pharmacists-as-Immunizers Partnership, IPIP, was initiated through an International Research Partnership Grant program offered by the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Introduction

Pharmacists worldwide are increasingly being granted the authorization to administer vaccines and other drugs and, in some cases, to receive publicly funded remuneration for this service [1,2]. Much of the research on patient outcomes and impact on immunization rates has been conducted in the United States; There has been some unintentional duplication of work done in different jurisdictions; Some areas of research have not been adequately addressed (for example, quality improvement and implementation science); The identification of similar findings regarding gaps in care (for example, service delivery to vulnerable populations) and pharmacy operational challenges related to implementation of these services This suggests that a coordinated strategy to conduct research in this area may be more efficient and effective in creating evidence to address research, practice and policy questions

Formation of the Partnership

Outputs and Future Directions

Lessons Learned and Potential for Expansion to Other Areas of Research