Experiences of community pharmacists in the United Kingdom on the provision of travel health services and associated educational requirements

Abstract

Background: Travel health services play a critical role in public health. Previously, travel services were provided solely through GPs or private specialist clinics. In recent years, they have been available from community pharmacists in the UK. This study sought to understand the types of travel health services provided by community pharmacists and to establish the educational needs.

Method: Qualitative interviews and focus groups explored current practices and educational needs in travel medicine. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews and focus groups was conducted to understand how travel services are provided and the training undertaken by community pharmacists in delivering these services.

Results: Nine individual interviews and one focus group of seven additional pharmacists was conducted. Pharmacists considered that they provided a comprehensive service and undertook the necessary training for safe delivery. Pharmacists described a 'vaccine centric' approach to travel services, with aspects, such as management of chronic conditions, fitness/preparedness for travel, prevention and self-management of travel-related conditions considered to be of lower priority. This was reflected in the travel medicine education that they had received and their perception of future requirements.

Conclusion: Whilst vaccination is a critical aspect of travel health medicine, taking a 'vaccine centric' approach represents a missed opportunity in public health. Future educational opportunities for pharmacists could include training that encourages a broader approach to travel health consultations, to include a co-created, structured, and holistic risk assessment for travellers and recommendations for appropriate prevention and management strategies for travellers prior to, during and after travel.

Keywords: community pharmacy; education; immunization; training; travel health; vaccines.