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Curran G, Mosley C, Gamble A, Painter J, Ounpraseuth S, Brewer NT, Teeter B, Smith M, Halladay J, Hughes T, Shepherd JG, Hastings T, Simpson K, Carpenter D. Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in rural community pharmacies: a protocol for a stepped wedge randomized clinical trial. Implement Sci 2023; 18:72. [PMID: 38110979 PMCID: PMC10726603 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines remains problematically low in the USA, especially in rural areas. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with lower uptake, which translates to higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 variants in communities where vaccination coverage is low. Because community pharmacists are among the most accessible and trusted health professionals in rural areas, this randomized clinical trial will examine implementation strategies to support rural pharmacists in delivering an adapted evidence-based intervention to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. METHODS We will use an incomplete stepped wedge trial design in which we will randomize 30 rural pharmacies (unit of analysis) to determine the effectiveness and incremental cost-effectiveness of a standard implementation approach (consisting of online training that describes the vaccine hesitancy intervention, live webinar, and resource website) compared to adding on a virtual facilitation approach (provided by a trained facilitator in support of the delivery of the vaccine hesitancy counseling intervention by pharmacists). The intervention (ASORT) has been adapted from an evidence-based vaccine communication intervention for HPV vaccines through a partnership with rural pharmacies in a practice-based research network in seven southern US states. ASORT teaches pharmacists how to identify persons eligible for COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster), solicit and address vaccine concerns in a non-confrontational way, recommend the vaccine, and repeat the steps later if needed. The primary trial outcome is fidelity to the ASORT intervention, which will be determined through ratings of recordings of pharmacists delivering the intervention. The secondary outcome is the effectiveness of the intervention, determined by rates of patients who agree to be vaccinated after receiving the intervention. Other secondary outcomes include feasibility, acceptability, adoption, reach, and cost. Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses will be conducted to maximize the potential for future dissemination and sustainability. Mixed methods will provide triangulation, expansion, and explanation of quantitative findings. DISCUSSION This trial contributes to a growing evidence base on vaccine hesitancy interventions and virtual-only facilitation of evidenced-based practices in community health settings. The trial will provide the first estimate of the relative value of different implementation strategies in pharmacy settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05926544 (clinicaltrials.gov); 07/03/2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Curran
- Center for Implementation Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Cynthia Mosley
- Center for Implementation Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Abigail Gamble
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacob Painter
- Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Songthip Ounpraseuth
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Noel T Brewer
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ben Teeter
- Center for Implementation Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Center for Implementation Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jacquie Halladay
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tamera Hughes
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - J Greene Shepherd
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tessa Hastings
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kit Simpson
- Department of Health Care Leadership and Management, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Delesha Carpenter
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Chadi A, Thirion DJG, David PM. Vaccine promotion strategies in community pharmacy addressing vulnerable populations: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1855. [PMID: 37741997 PMCID: PMC10518112 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Social determinants of health are drivers of vaccine inequity and lead to higher risks of complications from infectious diseases in under vaccinated communities. In many countries, pharmacists have gained the rights to prescribe and administer vaccines, which contributes to improving vaccination rates. However, little is known on how they define and target vulnerable communities. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to describe how vulnerable communities are targeted in community pharmacies. METHODS We performed a systematic search of the Embase and MEDLINE database in August 2021 inspired by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols (PRISMA ScR). Articles in English, French or Spanish addressing any vaccine in a community pharmacy context and that target a population defined as vulnerable were screened for inclusion. RESULTS A total of 1039 articles were identified through the initial search, and 63 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the literature originated from North America (n = 54, 86%) and addressed influenza (n = 29, 46%), pneumococcal (n = 14, 22%), herpes zoster (n = 14, 22%) or human papilloma virus vaccination (n = 14, 22%). Lifecycle vulnerabilities (n = 48, 76%) such as age and pregnancy were most often used to target vulnerable patients followed by clinical factors (n = 18, 29%), socio-economical determinants (n = 16, 25%) and geographical vulnerabilities (n = 7, 11%). The most frequently listed strategy was providing a strong recommendation for vaccination, promotional posters in pharmacy, distributing leaflet/bag stuffers and providing staff training. A total of 24 barriers and 25 facilitators were identified. The main barriers associated to each vulnerable category were associated to effective promotional strategies to overcome them. CONCLUSION Pharmacists prioritize lifecycle and clinical vulnerability at the expense of narrowing down the definition of vulnerability. Some vulnerable groups are also under targeted in pharmacies. A wide variety of promotional strategies are available to pharmacies to overcome the specific barriers experienced by various groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Daniel J G Thirion
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Christian I, Cafer A, Brenner D, Rosenthal M. Defining rural spaces within pharmacy practice research: Current practice and implications. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:1490-1494. [PMID: 37088365 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The literature suggests that community pharmacies are a critical buffer to poor health for rural spaces, which are disproportionately impacted by a lack of facilities, providers, and resources. Yet, the actual impact is hard to measure because location is not often considered in assessments of community pharmacy practice. We explored the definitions applied to rural spaces in community pharmacy practice-based research studies that explicitly discuss rural pharmacy practice in 2 U.S. based pharmacy practice research publications. Across both journals, we identified 10 articles that used 8 different definitions of "rural" including both a variety of federal designations and idiosyncratic definitions developed just for that research. A consensus definition in rural community pharmacy practice research could make comparison across studies possible, help to build the evidence base for rurally focused interventions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this setting.
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Vincenzo JL, Brach JS, Bean J, Curran GM. Developing and Testing Implementation Strategies to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Initiative for Falls Risk Management in Outpatient Physical Therapy: A Protocol. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl 2023; 5:100268. [PMID: 37312984 PMCID: PMC10258383 DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2023.100268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To develop and test implementation strategies to support implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions' Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) initiative for falls prevention and falls risk management in a novel setting, outpatient physical therapy. Design A feasibility implementation study engaging key partners involved in or affected by the implementation throughout the study. Setting Five outpatient physical therapy clinics embedded in a health system. Participants Key partners (physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, referring physicians, administrative clinic staff, older adults, and caregivers) involved in or affected by the implementation (N=48) will participate in surveys and interviews to identify barriers and facilitators prior to implementation and post implementation. Twelve key partners representing at least 1 of each group will participate in evidence-based quality improvement panels to identify which barriers and facilitators are most important and feasible to address and to assist in choosing and designing implementation strategies to support the uptake of STEADI in outpatient rehabilitation. STEADI will be implemented in 5 outpatient physical therapy clinics as a standard of care for the ∼1200 older adults attending those clinics annually. Outcomes Primary outcomes include clinic- and provider-level (physical therapists and physical therapist assistant) adoption and fidelity to STEADI screening, multifactorial assessment, and falls risk interventions for older adults (65 years or older) attending outpatient physical therapy. Key partners' perceived feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of STEADI in outpatient physical therapy will also be measured using validated implementation science questionnaires. Exploratory clinical outcomes of older adults' falls risk pre- and post rehabilitation will be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Vincenzo
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, Arkansas
| | - Jennifer S. Brach
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jonathan Bean
- New England Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey M. Curran
- Center for Implementation Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas
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Koskan A, Zittel ME, Lee C, Sanchez O, Alvarez L, Helitzer DL. The feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomized controlled trial testing pharmacy-based HPV vaccine completion. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3038-3045. [PMID: 34389257 PMCID: PMC9063767 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunizing pharmacists can administer vaccines; however, they are less likely to administer adolescent vaccines such as vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). Although past research has recommended incorporating pharmacists to increase adolescent vaccination, few intervention studies have tested healthcare delivery models that incorporate pharmacists to aid in vaccine series completion. This research explored the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention in which pharmacists administered booster doses of the HPV vaccine series. METHODS Between April 2019 and February 2020, the research team recruited participants for a pilot randomized controlled trial hosted in one federally qualified health center (FQHC) clinic. Researchers asked intervention group participants to complete the HPV vaccine series with their community pharmacists and control group participants to complete the series at their FQHC. We conducted a pre- and post-intervention surveys and in-depth interviews with both intervention and control group participants. RESULTS A total of 33 parents of children who received the first dose of the HPV vaccine enrolled in the study of whom 8 intervention and 11 control group participants completed post-intervention data collection. Although there were no statistically significant changes in vaccine completion and in psychometric variables, we did find that pharmacist-delivered HPV vaccination was acceptable, due, primarily, to convenience. Barriers to receiving pharmacist-administered vaccines included pharmacies' lack of stocking the vaccine and insurance-related barriers to care. CONCLUSION Although a promising and acceptable healthcare delivery approach, there are still barriers for caregivers to have their children vaccinated against HPV at their community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Koskan
- Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, mail: 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | | | - Chong Lee
- Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, USA.
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Rural Community Pharmacists’ Ability and Interest in Administering COVID-19 Vaccines in the Southern United States. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1379-1383. [PMID: 35221234 PMCID: PMC8767795 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Community pharmacists are often the most accessible health professional in rural areas, which makes them well positioned to increase vaccine access in their communities. This study sought to document rural pharmacists’ ability to and interest in administering coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations. Methods A sample of community pharmacists participating in a rural community pharmacy practice-based research network in the United States completed an online survey that assessed (1) demographic characteristics, (2) previous COVID-19 vaccine training, and (3) ability to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Data were collected between late December 2020 and mid-February 2021. Descriptive statistics and correlations were calculated. Results A total of 69 of 106 pharmacists completed the survey (response rate = 65%). Approximately half of pharmacists were ready (52%) or actively taking steps (39%) to provide COVID-19 vaccines in the next 6 months. Pharmacies had a median of 2 staff members who were authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Almost half (46%) estimated they could administer more than 30 vaccinations per day. Most pharmacies could store vaccines at standard refrigeration (90%) and freezing (83%) levels needed for thawed and premixed vaccines, respectively. Most pharmacists planned to access COVID-19 vaccines through an agreement with a state or local public health entity (48%) or by ordering through group purchasing organizations (46%). Only 23% of pharmacists had received any COVID-19 vaccine training, and only 48% very much wanted to get the vaccine themselves. Several variables, including pharmacy type and pharmacists’ vaccine attitudes and previous COVID-19 training, were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the anticipated number of COVID-19 vaccines pharmacies could administer daily. Conclusion Even early in the nation’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, most rural pharmacies were interested in and preparing to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Few rural pharmacists had received COVID-19 training, and many expressed some hesitancy to receive the vaccine themselves. The number of vaccines pharmacists could administer varied with pharmacy and pharmacist characteristics.
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Icardi G, Costantino C, Guido M, Zizza A, Restivo V, Amicizia D, Tassinari F, Piazza MF, Paganino C, Casuccio A, Vitale F, Ansaldi F, Trucchi C. Burden and Prevention of HPV. Knowledge, Practices and Attitude Assessment Among Pre-Adolescents and their Parents in Italy. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:326-342. [PMID: 31942852 PMCID: PMC7527545 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200114100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite infections due to HPV nowadays represent the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide with recognized effective and safe preventive strategies, knowledge, attitudes; however, awareness on HPV is considerably low. The present study has two main objectives: 1. To conduct a literature review to analyze the evolution of preventive tools, the complexity of the vaccine choice process, and the challenges posed by HPV vaccine hesitancy and refusal among pre-adolescents and their parents; 2. To assess knowledge, practices and attitudes toward HPV infection and vaccination in a sample of Italian pre-adolescents and their parents. The observational study was carried out through the use of two anonymous and self-administered pre- and post-intervention questionnaires dedicated to the target populations. Between the administrations of the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, an educational intervention on HPV infection and related diseases, and prevention strategies was conducted. All participants demonstrated suboptimal knowledge and positive attitudes in the pre-intervention questionnaire. Higher levels of knowledge and attitudes were observed among pre-adolescents thatused social networks and had heard of sexually transmitted diseases at home/school/physician and from parents and also who had heard of HPV from General Practitioners, Gynecologists, family members and newspapers. A significant increase in HPV vaccination awareness was observed among pre-adolescents after the educational sessions. Health education programs aimed at increasing knowledge, attitudes and awareness on HPV are needed to implement the outcomes of HPV immunization programs, especially if supported by the physicians involved in counselling and recommendation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Marcello Guido
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Laboratory of Hygiene, University of the Salento, Lecce, Italy.,Inter-University Centre for Research of Influenza and other Transmissible Infections (C.I.R.I.- I.T.), Genova Italy
| | - Antonella Zizza
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Campus Ecotekne, Lecce, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Restivo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Amicizia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.,Azienda Ligure Sanitaria della Regione Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Liguria Region, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Maria Francesca Piazza
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Azienda Ligure Sanitaria della Regione Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Liguria Region, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Paganino
- Azienda Ligure Sanitaria della Regione Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Liguria Region, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Casuccio
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Excellence Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Filippo Ansaldi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.,Azienda Ligure Sanitaria della Regione Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Liguria Region, Genova, Italy
| | - Cecilia Trucchi
- IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.,Azienda Ligure Sanitaria della Regione Liguria (A.Li.Sa.), Liguria Region, Genova, Italy
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