Establishing an on-site influenza vaccination service in an assisted-living facility.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the establishment, implementation, and economic outcomes of a pharmacist-conducted on-site influenza vaccination service in an assisted-living facility (ALF).


METHODS
Retrospective descriptive report.


METHODS
75-unit senior housing complex in the International District of Seattle, WA, during the 2004 flu season.


METHODS
58 indigent, multiethnic, older Asian adult patients, of whom 44 were ALF residents and 14 were adult day health (ADH)/independent-dwelling clients.


METHODS
Patient charts were reviewed for contraindications, vaccines were administered, and postvaccination satisfaction surveys were conducted.


METHODS
Number of residents vaccinated, satisfaction survey results, time spent by a pharmacist and an assistant and their salary rate, cost of vaccines, cost of supplies, and reimbursement data. Service outcomes included vaccination rate and resident satisfaction. A cost analysis reflects the economic outcome.


RESULTS
In two 2-hour sessions, 58 ALF residents and ADH clients (age 83.5 +/- 7.7 years [range 65-98]) were vaccinated. The immunization rate in the population improved from 64% in the previous year to 83% with the on-site service. Both the clients and the facility staff rated the service highly. The pharmacist spent a total of 22 hours and the assistant 4 hours providing vaccination services. A net income of $13 per vaccination was realized after making adjustments for costs (vaccines, supplies, and salaries).


CONCLUSIONS
An on-site pharmacist-conducted influenza vaccination service in the ALF setting expanded the scope and economic outcome of pharmacist-provided pharmaceutical services. Influenza vaccination rates were improved, and patients and staff were highly satisfied with the service.
Lam
Annie Y
AY
Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. aylam@u.washington.edu
Chung
Yang
Y
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D011203:Poverty; D024382:Professional Role; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D013997:Time Factors; D014861:Washington
D007252:Influenza Vaccines