Brittany Hoffmann-Eubanks, PharmD, MBA

Student pharmacists expressed hope for the future of pharmacy and excitement about taking on new roles in the profession during a roundtable discussion hosted by 

 with student pharmacist leaders. Students from 4 colleges of pharmacy—Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, and Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy&mdash;participated in these discussions about the future of the pharmacy industry.

When asked about their future ideal practice areas, the roundtable response with answers as diverse and interesting as the students themselves. Some students wanted to go into traditional pharmacist roles, such as community pharmacy and hospital, wheras others expressed interest in ambulatory care, pharmacogenomics, medication therapy management, poison control, drug information, and industry. Other students spoke about the value of dual degree programs through which students could simultaneously earn their doctor of pharmacy along with a master of business administration, doctor of jurisprudence, or a certification as a physician assistant. Regardless of the practice area of interest, students in the roundtable were in agreement that they wanted to be involved in or have an impact on direct patient care.

Student pharmacist leaders were also asked about the importance of a pharmacist education in obtaining advanced pharmacist roles in their careers. Students overwhelmingly agreed that residencies would play a crucial role in their ability to be successful in the future. They discussed how competitive the job market has become and that this competition increases even more when searching for innovative pharmacy jobs. Most students agreed that completing a residency is important in anticipation of future changes to the profession. Furthermore, some students went on to discuss that residency programs may be only the start and that board certification and pharmacy specialties are the future of pharmacy practice.

Interestingly, students believed that obtaining provider status was absolutely necessary for pharmacists to be taken seriously by colleagues in health care and to move the profession of pharmacy forward. To that end, students expressed their interest in legislative days sponsored by their schools and state pharmacy associations and the ability of those legislative days to affect the profession. They also noted that pharmacy students should not be afraid of contacting their legislators to discuss the issues that affect pharmacy and the future of the profession. Additionally, student pharmacists discussed important issues in pharmacy that need to be addressed, such as the lack of proper reimbursement for pharmacy services, pharmacy spread concerns, and direct and indirect remuneration fees, which are hurting pharmacies and patients across the country.

Student pharmacists also discussed the importance of technology and technical knowledge for the future of the pharmacy profession. For example, student leaders identified that the health care consolidation occurring in the marketplace will change how pharmacists interact with patients. Furthermore, new companies are planning to introduce technology that may disrupt the industry and the profession.

Regardless of the impact of technology, students agreed that pharmacists are going to have to be adaptable, unafraid of technology that could help pharmacists move away from products, and willing to tap their full potential. Student leaders also discussed the importance of staying up-to-date on guidelines and the importance of access to information. They discussed how the use of technology is another way to accomplish this goal.

Students in the roundtable felt that pharmacists, with their expert drug knowledge, can help fellow health care providers improve clinical outcomes for patients. Multidisciplinary care was touted as the future of health care—one in which pharmacists can bring significant value to the team.

Overall, the student pharmacist leaders participating in the roundtable discussions were excited about the future of pharmacy and the roles they may have in it. These students want careers that are interesting, patient centered, and use their education to the fullest.

, is a clinical pharmacist and the founder and CEO of Banner Medical LLC, a medical communications company. 

Articles

Student pharmacist leaders were also asked about the importance of a pharmacist education in obtaining advanced pharmacist roles in their careers.

Student Pharmacist Leaders Discuss the Future of Pharmacy

The use of social media for information and career exploration was recently examined in a roundtable discussion hosted by 

® with student pharmacist leaders from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, and Chicago College of Pharmacy at Midwestern University.

Student pharmacists report utilizing social media for learning, communicating, and career exploration throughout their pharmacy education. They use various platforms depending on the need, such as social communication or professional networking, and their reported social media use aligns with previously reported research and United States statistics for social media network use.

Social media is used by 70% of the US population, and by 90% of those between the ages of 18 and 29 years.

 The choice of platform varies with age and education. For example, about 50% of college graduates report using LinkedIn.

 Similarly, individuals aged 18 to 24 years are more likely to use Snapchat than those who are 25 to 29 years.

 Age variations, however, are less apparent for Facebook, with 68% of individuals aged 50 to 64 years reporting that they use the platform.

A 2016 study assessed the value of online learning and social media as part of pharmacy education.

 According to the authors, student pharmacists have significant exposure to online learning and social media in their pharmacy education due to technology integration and increased uptake of online learning methods.

To determine student pharmacist online learning and social media preferences, a 36-question survey was administered online to third-year student pharmacists enrolled in the drug information and clinical literature evaluation course. The survey had a 96% response rate (n = 431), with the majority of students saying they use technology for their learning. Also, 58% reported using social media networks to communicate with their classmates

and 82% strongly agreed that they felt comfortable using social media networking to communicate about coursework.

Similarly, student pharmacist leaders who attended the roundtable reported widespread use of social media in their institutions for learning, obtaining information, communicating, and career exploration. They reported utilizing social media networks like Facebook for promoting pharmacy organization events on campus and for upcoming events off campus, such as health fairs, and that since the majority of students utilized this social media network, it was an effective method to spread word and market their events to their class.

Furthermore, students reported “liking” pages of their favorite resources, such as magazines, journals, and news sites, to assist in finding articles that contain relevant pharmacy updates and information to enhance their learning. The roundtable focused on the importance of headlines for relevance and to grab their attention, respective to where they were in their pharmacy education coursework. For example, a first-year student may be drawn to articles that focus on networking and learning more about pharmacy, whereas second- or third-year students may prefer articles that discuss therapeutic knowledge and counseling pearls. Regardless of content, the student pharmacists agreed that articles with engaging pictures and streamlined content were the most likely to be read.

Another discussion from the roundtable focused on the use of social media for career exploration. The student pharmacists discussed how LinkedIn is being used more than ever for job searching and creating their professional brand. They cited the importance of creating a professional-looking profile early on in their pharmacy careers and updating it regularly with relevant information. The development and updating were considered crucial as recruiters begin reaching out to students early on the platform to discuss future job opportunities and summer internships. The speakers agreed that not having a LinkedIn profile would make job searching and networking a lot more difficult.

In addition, LinkedIn was described as a method to stay up-todate with their professor’s careers and to engage with them in a professional manner outside of the classroom. LinkedIn, according to the students, has become an important networking tool that potentially opens doors for career opportunities. It is being used by students as a digital resume and curriculum vitae to keep other users apprised of their experiences and successes as they progress through their pharmacy education and prepare to enter the profession as practicing pharmacists.

The overarching theme of the roundtable: Student pharmacists report feeling comfortable with the integration of technology into their educational experiences and expect it to continue as use of these platforms becomes more commonplace for obtaining clinical information and exploring career opportunities.

1.         Clement J. Social media usage in the United States - statistics & facts. Statista website. 

statista.com/topics/3196/social-media-usage-in-the-united-states/

. Published March 18, 2019. Accessed June 28, 2019.

2.         Perrin A, Anderson M. Share of U.S. adults using social media, including Facebook, is mostly unchanged since 2018. Pew Research Center website. 

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/04/10/share-of-u-s-adults-using-social-media-including-facebook-is-mostly-unchanged-since-2018/

. Published April 10, 2019. Accessed June 29, 2019.

3.         Hamilton LA, Franks A, Heidel RE, SLK McDonough, Suda KJ. Assessing the value of online learning and social media in pharmacy education. 

The use of social media for information and career exploration was recently examined in a roundtable discussion hosted by Pharmacy Careers® with student pharmacist leaders from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, and Chicago College of Pharmacy at Midwestern University.
 

Student Pharmacist Leaders Discuss the Role of Social Media in Their Learning and Career Exploration

Because of their impact on public health, immunizations are considered one of the greatest medical achievements of modern civilization.

 Since this vital medical intervention became available in the 18th century, there has been a significant decrease in the incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases.

 Between 1924-2019, more than 103 million cases of smallpox, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, diphtheria, and pertussis are estimated to have been prevented thanks to the introduction of vaccines. In recent years, immunizations have helped prevent between 2 and 3 million deaths annually in the United States.

 In addition, endemic transmission of polio and rubella has been eradicated from the United States, and smallpox has been eradicated worldwide.

Although childhood vaccination programs have helped contribute significantly to the positive impact of vaccines on public health, there are no formalized vaccination delivery programs for adults. As a result, vaccination rates are low among this patient population, increasing their susceptibility to serious illness and complications.

 Furthermore, vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, have seen a resurgence over the last decade due to waning vaccination.

On average, 50,000 Americans die of vaccine-preventable diseases each year, of which more than 99% are adults.

 Therefore, it is crucial that pharmacists understand the barriers impacting immunization rates among adults and actively engage in strategies to improve vaccination rates not only among high-risk groups but also among non—health care consumers (ie, those who are otherwise healthy and do not regularly seek out health care services).

The US Public Health Service and multiple other stakeholders have identified barriers that impact adult immunization.

 Knowing these barriers is essential to creating strategies to engage adult patients and improve vaccination rates. These are the most common barriers to adult immunization:

 The importance of vaccination among adults is a low priority in the United States.

There is no formal vaccine delivery system for adults in the US health care system, and most employers—in contrast to schools that enroll children&mdash;do not require proof of vaccination for employment. Furthermore, there is a pervasive belief among American adults that if they are healthy, they do not need to receive immunizations or have wellness visits with their health care providers.

 A lack of information about vaccines is identified as a major contributor to the low vaccination rate among adults in the United States.

 The results of a survey of more than 2000 adults aged 19 to 74 years showed that 90% to 96% knew the tetanus vaccine existed but only 36% knew a booster dose was required every 10 years, and 74% thought a booster was only required after an injury.

 Similarly, 65% were aware of the pneumococcal vaccine, but 56% had not received it because their doctor had not recommended it.

 Myths and misinformation concerning vaccines and their potential adverse effects are prevalent.

 As a result, adults may not inquire about immunizations out of fear of adverse effects or due to a dislike of needles. Some patients also object to vaccines for religious principles or cite individual rights.

 The cost of vaccination, lack of transportation, language barriers, and incomplete records can all contribute to the lack of accessibility of vaccines.

 These include costs of immunizations, vaccine storage difficulties, and easily accessible immunization records.

For example, in 2012, only an estimated 31% of family physicians and 20% of internists stocked all routinely recommended adult vaccinations.

 As a result, patients may have difficulty obtaining certain vaccinations and may be unaware of alternative health care facilities, such as pharmacies, that can give them vaccines.

Pharmacists have been involved in vaccinations since the mid-1800s, with the procurement and distribution of smallpox vaccine for physicians.

 Today, pharmacists can not only distribute vaccines, they can also immunize patients in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Currently, 61% of community pharmacies offer immunizations as a service to their community.10 Furthermore, their accessibility and convenience for patients can increase immunization acceptance.

In addition, pharmacists have also created immunization programs that go beyond passive immunizing by actively identifying and administering vaccines to eligible patients.

 The majority of research evaluating the pharmacist’s impact on immunization rates has been for influenza and pneumococcal disease; however, most pharmacies who provide vaccines also provide the majority of the routinely recommended adult immunizations.

 Therefore, pharmacists can help bridge the gap for patients whose physicians do not regularly stock all the vaccines.

STRATEGIES TO ENGAGE NON—HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS

The accessibility of primary care in the United States is decreasing, in part, due to a rapidly aging population. US survey data show that the average wait time for an appointment with a primary care physician is about 20 days.

 Pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider and can help engage patients, who do not regularly seek out health care services, with the following strategies:

 Pharmacists interact with patients daily in their clinical practice regardless of the health care setting. They should assess a patient’s vaccination history at every encounter and educate patients on the importance of being up-to-date on any needed immunizations. A strong recommendation from a health care provider is a strong predictor of patient acceptance.

 For example, a 2016 systematic review found that increases in immunization rates resulting from a pharmacist recommendation were similar to those made by physicians or nurses.

 Pharmacies that offer immunizations can increase their accessibility by offering immunization services via walk-in visits and availability during extended hours. Immunization programs with these additional services have been shown to reach new patients (ie, individuals who do not currently utilize the pharmacy).

Utilize immunization information systems:

 Immunization registries can assist health care providers in consolidating immunization records for individuals who have multiple providers. As a result, pharmacists can utilize these registries (where available) to identify immunization gaps at the point of care or when patients are unsure of their immunization record.

Participate in community-based advocacy programs:

 Pharmacists can reach new patients and non—health care consumers via community outreach.

 Examples include partnering with local community centers to promote wellness and needed immunizations via clinics, brochures, posters, and educational seminars.

 Pharmacists can also partner with local businesses to provide immunization clinics to help keep patients healthy in the workplace.

 Pharmacists can participate in vaccine administrative programs offering immunizations to improve public health in their community. Regardless of the strategy that is used to engage new patients who are not regular health care consumers, it is essential that the pharmacy team is appropriately trained and has adequate supplies and sufficient space for offering immunizations.

 Vaccine administrative programs should also have protocols in place for immunization emergencies and the prevention of needlestick and sharps injuries.

Vaccines, as a medical intervention, have significantly decreased vaccine-preventable diseases; however, adult patient population immunization rates in the United States remain low, increasing the risk of serious illness and complications. The causes of these low immunization rates are multifactorial. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider; as such, they can help overcome these barriers. Employing strategies to reach not only high-risk individuals but also those who are non—health care consumers is essential to help improve immunization rates among the US adult population.

is a clinical pharmacist and the Founder and CEO of Banner Medical LLC, a medical communications company.

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National Community Pharmacists Association. Immunizations. National Community Pharmacists Association. https://www.ncpanet.org/innovation-center/ diversified-revenue-opportunities/immunizations. Published 2019. Accessed 14 April 2019.

Figge H. Engaging the patient: tools and techniques. US Pharmacist. August 18, 2016. uspharmacist.com/article/engaging-the-patient-tools-and-techniques. Accessed April 14, 2019.