Using an online nominal group technique to determine key implementation factors for COVID-19 vaccination programmes in community pharmacies

Background One vital strategy to fight the COVID-19 pandemic is the rapid roll-out of vaccination programmes. In a number of countries pharmacists are joining the vaccination programme workforce, including plans to involve community pharmacies. Objectives (1) to determine key implementation factors for rapid roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination programmes in European community pharmacies and (2) to trial an online nominal group technique to generate ideas and reach consensus on the first aim. Setting In February 2021, during a workshop at the 12th Working Conference of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe. Method An online nominal group technique workshop over 10 hours was conducted. Identified implementation factors were mapped to the Framework for the Implementation of Services in Pharmacy and assessed in terms of importance and changeability. Main outcome measure Consensus of key implementation factors. Results In total, 85 implementation factors were identified. The top 3 factors were the same for both criteria: “(Regular) Staff training on correct vaccination procedure/to perform hands-on injection technique”; “Training in basic life support/first aid (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)”, and; “Definition of process, roles and responsibilities in the team”. Conclusion An online nominal group technique enabled international collaboration to gather diverse perspectives on the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programmes in a time and cost-efficient manner. “Staff training on correct vaccination procedure”, “training in basic life support” and “definition of process, roles and responsibilities in the team” were deemed the most important and changeable implementation factors. Online nominal group technique may be a suitable method for other implementation problems.