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Chirila S, Hangan T, Gurgas L, Costache MG, Vlad MA, Nitu BF, Bittar SM, Craciun A, Condur L, Bjørklund G. Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination: A Study of Patient Acceptance in Romania. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1005-1013. [PMID: 38690537 PMCID: PMC11059623 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s459369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study explores patient acceptance of influenza vaccination administered by pharmacists in Romania during the 2023 season, considering it a novel strategy to address gaps in knowledge. Pharmacy-based vaccination deviates from traditional methods, providing high-risk patients with full reimbursement and others with 50% reimbursement, allowing a choice between family doctors and pharmacies for vaccine administration. Material and Method The survey includes 15 questions covering socio-demographic data, health information, vaccination preferences, and perceptions of pharmacy-based vaccinations. Results Respondents showed a positive inclination toward pharmacy-based vaccination, with 68% expressing favorable sentiments, but an awareness gap exists, as only 36% were aware of pharmacy-based vaccination availability. Conclusion Challenges include a lack of patient awareness and understanding of benefits, emphasizing the need for structured pharmacist-patient dialogues. Legal changes, a defined funding mechanism, and collaboration are crucial for successful implementation. The study provides valuable insights into patient perceptions, contributing to discussions on optimizing influenza vaccination coverage in Romania and beyond and recognizing pharmacies' potential in achieving broader vaccination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Chirila
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Tony Hangan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Leonard Gurgas
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Sara Melek Bittar
- Department of Dermatology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Aurora Craciun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Laura Condur
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Romania
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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2
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Plans Rubió P, Jambrina AM, Rius P, Carmona G, Rabanal M, Gironès M. High Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Absence of Increased Influenza-like-Illness Epidemic Activity in the 2021-2022 Influenza Season in Catalonia (Spain) Based on Surveillance Data Collected by Sentinel Pharmacies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122140. [PMID: 36560550 PMCID: PMC9783856 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination are the key activities for preventing and controlling influenza epidemics. The study assessed the influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination data obtained from sentinel pharmacies of Catalonia, Spain, in the 2021-2022 influenza season. The sentinel pharmacies were selected from all community pharmacies to report all influenza-like illness (ILI) cases detected during the 2021-2022 influenza season and collect influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination data. The ILI cases were identified based on European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) criteria. The moving epidemic method (MEM) was used to assess the ILI epidemic activity. The screening method was used to assess influenza vaccination effectiveness in patients aged 65-or-more years old. The sentinel pharmacies reported 212 ILI cases with a negative COVID-19 test and a total number of 412 ILI cases. An absence of increased ILI epidemic activity was observed in the 2021-2022 influenza season based on two criteria: (1) Number of ILI cases reported per week in the 2021-2022 influenza season significantly lower than the MEM-based epidemic threshold. (2) Mean number of ILI cases reported per week in the 2021-2022 influenza season significantly lower than during the ILI/influenza epidemic periods detected from 2017 to 2020 using the same methodology. Influenza vaccination was effective in preventing ILI among patients aged 65-or-more-years old. The absence of the influenza epidemic during the 2021-2022 influenza season could be explained by influenza vaccination and COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing face masks, social distancing). The sentinel pharmacies provided influenza surveillance data not provided by traditional influenza surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Plans Rubió
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Health Department of Catalonia, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28028 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna M. Jambrina
- General Directorate for Healthcare Planning and Regulation, Department of Health of Catalonia, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Rius
- Council of the Pharmacists’ Association of Catalonia, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Carmona
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Health Department of Catalonia, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Rabanal
- General Directorate for Healthcare Planning and Regulation, Department of Health of Catalonia, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Gironès
- Council of the Pharmacists’ Association of Catalonia, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
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Merks P, Kowalczuk A, Wong A, Chung K, Religioni U, Świetlik D, Rotmans-Plagens K, Cameron J, Sola KF, Kazmierczak J, Blicharska E, Vaillancourt R, Neumann-Podczaska A. Patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered COVID-19 vaccines in Poland: a survey study in the vaccination centres context. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1339. [DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08720-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Since 2021, pharmacists in Poland have been authorised to administer vaccinations against COVID-19, which is of particular significance in the efforts towards preventing the spread of the pandemic. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the patients’ satisfaction with delivering vaccinations through national vaccination centres.
Methods
This study was conducted in 2021. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire distributed to patients after vaccination. The questionnaire was developed specifically for the purpose of the study. Ultimately, 628 patients participated in this study.
Results
Nearly 97% of the respondents agreed that the administration of vaccinations by pharmacists had been convenient, and pharmacists possessed the relevant skills to provide this service. Almost 90% of the respondents expressed their readiness to be vaccinated by pharmacists again. Nearly all the respondents indicated that pharmacists should also provide other vaccinations.
Conclusions
Patients in Poland have a positive attitude toward vaccinations administered by pharmacists in national vaccination centres.
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Arabyat RM, Nusair MB, Al-Azzam SI, Amawi HA, El-Hajji FD. Willingness to pay for COVID-19 vaccines in Jordan: Applying the health belief model. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 19:95-101. [PMID: 36153237 PMCID: PMC9472461 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there is no effective treatment for COVID-19. Vaccines are effective and safe strategies to control the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To measure consumers' maximum willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccines in Jordan and to identify the predictors of WTP. METHOD An online survey was used to collect data related to sociodemographic factors and constructs from the Health Belief Model (HBM). The contingent valuation method using the payment card approach was used, whereby the respondents were asked to choose their maximum WTP value from a range of 5-200 Jordanian Dinar (JOD). The maximum WTP values were then categorized into several groups, and an ordered logistic model was used to generate adjusted odds ratios and estimate the significant predictors of maximum WTP. RESULTS A total of 3116 respondents completed the survey. More than half of the sample were not willing to pay out of pocket for the vaccine (57%). Among the respondents who were willing to pay any amount above zero, the mean maximum WTP was 28.1 JOD (39.63 USD), and the median WTP was 20 JOD (28.21 USD). The significant predictors of higher WTP values were being of younger age, higher income, being a healthcare provider, having one or more chronic diseases, previous history of receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine, having a family member/friend who has died from the COVID-19, lower perceived risk of the vaccine, higher perceived benefits of the vaccine, and having been recommended to get the vaccine. CONCLUSION It is recommended to continue providing the vaccine free of charge to increase its uptake. Educational campaigns should focus on refuting myths related to the vaccine and promoting the benefits of receiving the vaccine in slowing the spread of the pandemic, and improving the economy. Healthcare providers' recommendations have the potential to increase WTP for the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M Arabyat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, P. O. BOX 566, Jordan.
| | - Mohammad B Nusair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, P. O. BOX 566, Jordan; Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| | - Haneen A Amawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, P. O. BOX 566, Jordan
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Shukla A, Welch K, Villa A. Assessment of the willingness of dentists in the state of Indiana to administer vaccines. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267167. [PMID: 35439280 PMCID: PMC9017890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancers have been on the rise in the past three decades. Dentists are uniquely positioned to discuss vaccination programs with their patients. The goal of this project was to assess the readiness of dentists in the state of Indiana in being able to administer vaccines. METHODS An 18-question online survey was sent to licensed dentists in the state of Indiana. Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests, followed by multivariable analyses using ordinal logistic regression were conducted to assess providers' comfort levels and willingness to administer vaccines in both children and adults, by provider characteristics (practice type, location, and years in practice). RESULTS A total of 569 completed surveys were included for data analyses. Most dentists (58%) responded positively when asked if they would consider offering vaccinations in their office, if allowed by state legislation. In general, dentists working in academic settings and federally qualified health centers were more agreeable to offering vaccination in their practice. The level of agreement with "Dentists should be allowed to administer HPV, Influenza, Hep A and COVID 19 vaccines" for both children and adults decreased with increased years of practice. More than half of the respondents (55%) agreed that dental providers were competent to administer vaccines and needed no further training. CONCLUSION The study results suggest the willingness of dentists in the state of Indiana to offer vaccinations in their practices, if allowed by legislation. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Dental providers can be a unique resource to add to workforce for improving vaccination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubhuti Shukla
- Department of Cariology, Operative Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kelly Welch
- Team Maureen, North Falmouth, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Alnahar SA, Gkountouras G, Darwish RM, Bates I. Community pharmacists workforce readiness to deliver vaccination services: A cross-sectional study from Jordan. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00943. [PMID: 35239230 PMCID: PMC8893009 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assesses Jordanian community pharmacists’ readiness and willingness to deliver vaccination services in their practice sites. Between February and April 2021, a self‐administered online questionnaire was distributed via social media, WhatsApp messages, and personal communication. The questionnaire targeted practicing community pharmacies. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was carried out. A total of 403 community pharmacists participated in the study. Almost 146 (36%) community pharmacists reported vaccinating patients in their practice sites. However, readiness assessment revealed that only 54 (13.4%) pharmacists received the required training and qualifications. Moreover, 33 (8.2%) study participants worked in adequately equipped and designed community pharmacies. Overall, surveyed participants held positive attitudes toward their involvement in vaccination services: 260 (64.5%) pharmacists were willing to vaccinate patients, and 227 (65.0%) out of unready, unqualified, participants were willing to get needed training and qualifications. According to study participants, regulatory and professional bodies (Ministry of Health, Jordan Pharmacists Association) are influential in supporting pharmacist‐vaccinators. Among the investigated factors, organizational structure and employment status were significantly associated with pharmacists’ readiness to deliver vaccination. This study revealed that further work is needed to increase pharmacists’ and pharmacies’ readiness to deliver vaccination services and that regulators should follow a more active approach in highlighting the importance of training and the impact of training in patients’ safety and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saja A Alnahar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.,Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Georgios Gkountouras
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rula M Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ian Bates
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
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Nusair MB, Arabyat R, Khasawneh R, Al-azzam S, Nusir AT, Alhayek MY. Assessment of the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and vaccine acceptance: a cross-sectional study in Jordan. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2017734. [PMID: 35377830 PMCID: PMC8986219 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2017734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rasha Arabyat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rawand Khasawneh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer Al-azzam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Mohammad Y. Alhayek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Kamusheva M, Bogdan M, Tadic I, Harasani K, Subtirelu MS, Meca AD, Šesto S, Odalović M, Arsić J, Stojkov S, Terzieva E, Petrova G. Pharmacist's Perspectives on Administering a COVID-19 Vaccine in Community Pharmacies in Four Balkan Countries. Front Public Health 2021; 9:766146. [PMID: 34900910 PMCID: PMC8655838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.766146] [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] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacists expanded their roles and engaged in vaccination services in many countries around the world, but not in Balkan countries. This research aimed to assess the perceptions of pharmacists on involvement in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine administration in four Balkan countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire that was distributed to community pharmacists across these countries between February and March 2021. A total of 636 community pharmacists were included in the analysis of the survey. The willingness to administer vaccines for COVID-19 (or other vaccines well established in the practice, like a flu vaccine) in community pharmacies is significantly different among the countries: the pharmacists from Albania were more willing to administer vaccines. The factors associated with the eagerness to vaccinate are almost the same among the countries: the lack of training in the faculty classes and the lack of a special place where to administer vaccines. Additional significant factors were found in Bulgaria (pharmacists from independent pharmacies wanted more than the pharmacists working in chain pharmacies to administer vaccines) and in Serbia (male pharmacists agreed more with administering vaccines than female pharmacists). Further national reforms are needed for adopting the expanding role of community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Kamusheva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ivana Tadic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Klejda Harasani
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sofia Šesto
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Odalović
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Arsić
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Stojkov
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Vocational Studies for the Education of Preschool Teachers and Sports Trainers in Subotica, Subotica, Serbia
| | - Emili Terzieva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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9
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Youssef D, Abou-Abbas L, Hassan H. Exploring determinants of community pharmacist-led influenza vaccination in a Middle Eastern country: a national web-based cross-sectional study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 34544502 PMCID: PMC8450692 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00367-y] [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] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilizing community pharmacists (CPs) as immunizers has being adopted in various countries as approach to boost influenza vaccination coverage. Our study aims to explore the Lebanese CPs' willingness to administer influenza vaccine, and to identify factors associated with this willingness. METHODS This is a web-based, cross-sectional study, conducted over 2 months, from the 1st of November to the end of December 2020. Self-reported data were collected electronically from Lebanese CPs through an anonymous, questionnaire using google form. The collected data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the willingness of CPs to administer influenza vaccine. RESULTS A total of 412 CPs participated in this survey of which 76.9% are willing to administer influenza vaccines. More than 90% of them had a good overall knowledge score and 88.8% of CPs showed a positive overall attitude score, particularly towards involvement of CPs in influenza vaccine provision. Their willingness to administer vaccine was positively associated with the younger age (aOR = 3.12 with 95% CI (1.597-4.040)), higher education level (aOR = 2.02 with 95% CI (1.093-3.741)), previous experience in immunization (aOR = 2.72 with 95% CI (1.320-5.627)) and urbanicity of pharmacy (aOR = 1.542 with 95% CI (1.219-4.627)). Extensive working hours (aOR = 2.34 with 95% CI (1.131-4.845)), working in pharmacies that are operating round-the-clock, showing positive attitude towards immunization (aOR = 3.01 with 95% CI (1.872-6.422)) and towards provision of influenza vaccines (aOR = 13.72 with 95% CI (13.721-38.507)) were also positively associated to this willingness. Conversely, patient privacy (aOR = 0.55 with 95% CI (0.079-0.983)), time and cost for professional development (aOR = 0.55 with 95% CI (0.172-0.918)), limited patient's trust (aOR = 0.39 with 95% CI (0.203-0.784)), financial remuneration (aOR = 0.18 with 95% CI (0.088-0.377)), and requirement of formal certification in vaccine administration (aOR = 0.07 with 95% CI (0.020-0.279)) were negatively associated to this willingness. CONCLUSION Addressing the unearthed concerns related to utilizing CPs as influenza immunizers through a concerted effort is a key to success in any future implementation of vaccination services in pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Youssef
- Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Linda Abou-Abbas
- Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon.,Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
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10
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Mukattash TL, Jarab AS, Abu Farha RK, Nusair MB, Al Muqatash S. Pharmacists' perspectives on providing the COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2021. [PMCID: PMC8083213 DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to explore community pharmacists’ perspectives on administering COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies in Jordan. Methods Purposeful sampling was used to identify a list of 100 community pharmacies which were approached to participate in the study. Twenty-three interviews were needed to reach data saturation. In-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo 11 software. Interviews followed a previously prepared and validated 12-item interview guide. The interview guide discussed pharmacists’ perspectives on providing the COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies. Key findings The three overarching themes which described the participating pharmacists’ views towards administrating the COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies were advantage, support and barriers. The reported advantages included expediting the COVID-19 vaccination process, convince people to take the vaccine, increased patient accessibility to vaccines and aiding the healthcare system in the vaccination process. Respondents indicated that they would be more willing to administer the COVID-19 vaccine if they received the needed support from the Ministry of Health and the Pharmacists Association. Furthermore, from the respondents’ perspectives, the main barriers to this practice were having no confidence in the vaccine, risk of adverse effects and lack of training and expertise. Conclusions Respondents reported a positive attitude towards administering the COVID-19 vaccine in community pharmacies. Respondents highlighted that they could help fighting the pandemic through administering the vaccine and expedite the vaccination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq L Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Anan S Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rana K Abu Farha
- Department of Theraputics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private Pharmacy, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad B Nusair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Saqer Al Muqatash
- Department of General Surgery, King Hussein Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan
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11
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Basheti IA, Mhaidat NM, Alqudah R, Nassar R, Othman B, Mukattash TL. Primary health care policy and vision for community pharmacy and pharmacists in Jordan. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2020; 18:2184. [PMID: 33343774 PMCID: PMC7732212 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2020.4.2184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Jordan is considered a low middle-income country with a population of 9.956 million in 2018. It is considered the training center for healthcare professions in the region, as the Jordanian healthcare sector has seen remarkable development. In 2017, the expenditure on health as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated to be around 8%. The healthcare sector is divided into two main sectors; the public and the private sector with both including hospitals, primary care clinics and pharmacies. The Jordanian government has a strong commitment to health and educational programs; hence, an increase in the number of pharmacy schools and pharmacy graduates has occurred in the past few years. Health authorities, such as the Jordan Food and Drug Association (JFDA) and the Jordan Pharmaceutical Association (JPA) have played an important role in ensuring the availability and affordability of medications, and has influenced the practice of pharmacists. Protecting the pharmaceutical market and professional interests, preserving pharmacists’ rights, building needed cooperation with the internal federation, and maintaining professional ethics are some of the objectives for the JPA. Hence, the integration of community pharmacists into the primary healthcare system is considered vital to the different health authorities in Jordan, emphasizing the fact that community pharmacists are the most trusted, accessible, and affordable healthcare providers in the country. There have been many developments in the pharmacy practice in the past recent years, including the establishment of ‘Good Pharmacy Practice’, new curricular development based on the international accreditation (the ACPE), a new immunization program, and health services research aimed to save patients’ lives, influence expenses, and improve patients’ quality of life. Although these developments in pharmacy practice are promising, challenges continue to exist, specifically the establishment of an evidence base for pharmaceutical care services such as the medication management review service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman A Basheti
- PhD. Professor in Clinical Pharmacy. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences Private University. Amman (Jordan).
| | - Nizar M Mhaidat
- PhD. Director of Jordan Food and Drug administration. Professor in Oncology, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Irbid (Jordan).
| | - Rajaa Alqudah
- MSc. Clinical Lecturer, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences Private University. Amman (Jordan).
| | - Razan Nassar
- MSc. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University. Amman (Jordan).
| | - Bayan Othman
- MSc. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University. Amman (Jordan).
| | - Tareq L Mukattash
- PhD. Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Amman (Jordan).
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