Getting processes in place and good organisation involving all members of staff is required in order to run a successful service.

For example:

• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and appropriate documentation will assist in the smooth running of any immunisation service
• Utilising the pharmacy team to help patients complete some elements of the documentation prior to seeing the pharmacist can streamline appointments
• While the occasional walk-in immunisation can be accommodated during quiet periods, it is good practice to schedule specific appointment times. This will allow pharmacies to ensure that there is a second pharmacist on duty in order to cover the routine dispensary duties and other aspects of pharmaceutical care
• Providing clinic appointments at times that are convenient for the patient (e.g. evenings and weekends) has been one of the strengths of community pharmacy immunisation clinics
• Having combined record forms that include the key information required and space for written patient consent can simplify the paperwork
• Patients will be required to stay for at least 10-15 minutes after their immunisation in order to be observed for any immediate adverse effects. Patients should therefore be seated in an area where they can be observed by a member of staff at all times
• Developing appropriate patient information leaflets, not only to inform patients about the scheme, but also to provide specific information about the immunisation in order for the patient to give informed consent
• Support from other healthcare professionals experienced in running immunisation clinics is also essential in the early stages of development
• Evaluation of new and innovative services is important for improvement and development of future services. It is therefore valuable to build in an element of audit/evaluation into the service design.

Reflection exercise

How might you use the information contained in your pharmacy’s Patient Medication Record to identify patients who may be in the NHS target groups to receive influenza immunisation? What medications might these patients be receiving?