PROJECT IMPACT: IMMUNIZATIONS
The Methods
Innovative Care Model
Project IMPACT Immunizations integrated an innovative care model into each participating pharmacy in an effort to address suboptimal adult vaccination rates. The innovative care model enables the pharmacist to utilize a bi-directional immunization information system (IIS) at the point-of-care to evaluate a patient’s vaccine history, identify the patient’s unmet vaccination needs, and recommend appropriate vaccines based on the patient’s individual needs.
Pharmacists' Patient Care Services
During the pilot phase of Project IMPACT Immunizations, when a patient receives an influenza vaccine from a participating pharmacy, the pharmacist reviews a patient-specific vaccine forecast generated by the bi-directional IIS, which identifies the patient’s unmet vaccination needs based on current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations. Having access to this information at the point-of-care provides the pharmacist with an opportunity to educate the patient about their unmet vaccination needs and administer any vaccines authorized by the patient within the pharmacist’s scope of practice. The pharmacist then documents any administered vaccines in the bi-directional IIS to update the patient’s vaccine record so that it can be shared among the patient-provider team as allowed by the respective State’s immunization registry.
In partnership with:
The pilot phase of Project IMPACT Immunizations was implemented with generous support from Merck. The bi-directional IIS used in each participating pharmacy was supported by Scientific Technologies Corporation.