Explore Our Featured Media: Advancing Pharmacy Practice and Community Health

Welcome to the Featured Media section of Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy, a dedicated space where academic rigor meets community impact. This resource is a carefully selected compilation of our most impactful contributions, ranging from scholarly publications and research findings to community outreach highlights and expert-led discussions. Our featured content provides an in-depth look at the pioneering research and innovative health initiatives led by our faculty and students. It showcases the role of pharmacy in enhancing healthcare, addressing public health challenges, and fostering community well-being. We invite students, healthcare professionals, and community partners to explore these resources, offering a window into the critical work and collaborative efforts that define our college's commitment to excellence in pharmacy education and community health advancement.

Understanding Diverse Communities and Supporting Equitable and Informed COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-Making Wave 1 (Feb 2021) (Policy Report)

"This comprehensive project, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Horizon Foundation, delves into the complex decision-making processes surrounding COVID-19 vaccination. Conducted in multiple phases from November 2020 to February 2021, the study engaged diverse communities through surveys and online dialogues, focusing on those undecided about the vaccine. It emphasizes understanding the evolving perspectives in various communities, particularly those of color disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This article provides key findings and tailored strategies to support informed vaccination decisions, highlighting the importance of cultural context, values, and individual experiences in public health initiatives.

Understanding Diverse Communities and Supporting Equitable and Informed COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-Making Wave 3 (May 2021) (Policy Report)

In this final summary report, collaborators across universities, healthcare organizations and academic summarize findings and recommendations to address ongoing vaccine hesitancy in marginalized communities (supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).

The Effect of Food Access on type 2 Diabetes Control in Patients of a New Orleans, Louisiana, clinic (Sep-Oct, 2022) (Publication)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of food access on Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) control in patients at a diabetes management clinic compared with the national average of T2DM control. A total of 109 patient records were reviewed. Of these, 23 patients (21%) achieved glycemic control. There was a 14% difference (35%-21%) between the food desert patients with T2DM and the general United States population of patients with T2DM (P = 0.030). This study underscores the potential implications of limited food access on patients' abilities to manage chronic conditions like T2DM. Clinicians who work in resource-limited settings or with marginalized patient populations have a responsibility to consider food access and other health disparities when creating realistic and feasible treatment goals.

Pharmacists as Rapid Response Vaccinators During a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from the Covid-19 Pandemic (Oct. 19, 2022) (Conference Proceeding)

This study offers an in-depth look at the experiences of community pharmacists in Southeastern Louisiana, who have played a crucial role as frontline vaccinators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging 78 pharmacists through surveys and focus groups, the research delves into their educational background, practice settings, personal impacts of the pandemic, and attitudes towards vaccination. Key findings highlight the challenges faced by pharmacists, including workflow management, community vaccine concerns, and discomfort with vaccination mandates. The study also sheds light on issues such as resource scarcity, burnout, and difficulties in managing vaccine supply against fluctuating demands. This article provides valuable insights into the critical yet often overlooked role of pharmacists in public health crises.

Expanding Vaccine Education to Allied Health Professionals: Implementation and Assessment of an Interdisciplinary Education Model to Address Covid-19 Vaccine Disparities (Oct. 19, 2022) (Conference Proceeding)

This study examines an innovative interdisciplinary vaccine education model developed by Nunez Community College and Xavier University, aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Southern Louisiana, particularly in areas with vaccination rates below 40%. The model involves training 65 healthcare workers and students to provide vaccine education during COVID-19 testing in pharmacies and clinics. The effectiveness of this model is measured by increases in competence and confidence in delivering vaccine information, addressing knowledge gaps about vaccination requirements, booster eligibility, and variant effectiveness. This article highlights the importance of continuous education for healthcare workers, especially in pediatric vaccinations, and the role of allied health professionals in elevating vaccine uptake and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The study presents a novel, cross-disciplinary educational model with potential applications across various healthcare fields.

A Culturally Competent Vaccine Hesitancy Educational Model for Community Pharmacists to Increase Vaccine Uptake, Louisiana, 2021-2022 (Nov. 29, 2022) (Publication)

Launched in February 2022, this innovative educational model aims to transform Louisiana pharmacists into key influencers for COVID-19 vaccination. Focused on culturally sensitive interventions, the program trained 47 pharmacists, equipping them with the skills to enhance vaccine acceptance in diverse community settings. Over 90% of participants recognized the potential impact of this training in their practices. The article delves into the ongoing surveillance efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of this educational intervention and explore the factors influencing vaccine uptake.

Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Phased Vaccine Eligibility on COVID-19 Vaccine Intent among African Americans in Southeastern Louisiana: A Community-Based, Cohort Study (Dec. 13, 2022) (Publication)

Insights from the African American Community": This pivotal study, conducted from January to Fall 2021 in southeastern Louisiana, investigates the correlation between COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and vaccination intent among African American participants. Surveying 487 individuals, the research explored factors like vaccine hesitancy, healthcare discrimination, and COVID-19 knowledge. Key findings reveal that eligibility significantly increases the likelihood of vaccine intent, with age, insurance status, and gender also playing critical roles. This article sheds light on the nuanced factors influencing vaccine decision-making in the African American community, emphasizing the importance of eligibility criteria in public health strategies.

Factors Affecting SARS-COV-2 Vaccination Intent and Decision Making Among African American, Native American, and Hispanic Participants in is Qualitative Study (March 27, 2023) (Publication)

In this nationally conducted, mixed methods, study conducted from December 2020 through February 2021, 16 virtual meetings were held among African-American, Hispanic American and Native American community members regarding their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Several themes emerged around trust in vaccine development, vaccine safety and equitable access. From these community conversations, several strategies to mitigate vaccine hesitancy emerged. Participants in all groups indicated that conversations tailored to their community and with those most trustworthy to them would be helpful. To overcome vaccine hesitancy, we propose a model of fully considered SARS-CoV-2 vaccine decision making, whereby public health departments supply information, align with community values and recognize lived experiences, offer support for decision making, and make vaccination easy and convenient.

Perceived Role, Identity and Experiences of Pharmacists and Potential Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake per Louisiana Region: A Prospective Cohort Study (July 27, 2023) (Publication)

Pharmacist Perspectives: This mixed-methods study, conducted from June 2021 to October 2022 in Louisiana, investigates the correlation between pharmacist attitudes regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, perceived professional identity and its relationship to COVID-19 vaccine uptake trends in the work environment. This study explored Louisiana community pharmacists’ confidence in their professional roles and identities, as well as their comfort in enforcing vaccine mandates. Results indicate that independent community pharmacists had a stronger sense of professional identity, as compared to their chain pharmacy counterparts, but were less comfortable enforcing vaccine mandates. During focus groups, participants discussed experiences with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and vaccination-related obstacles. As the pandemic progressed, pharmacists reported being overworked, understaffed, and overburdened with new responsibilities. In regions with lower vaccination rates, pharmacists were less likely to feel at ease enforcing vaccine mandates. Independent pharmacists were less comfortable enforcing vaccine mandates than chain pharmacists but had more positive perceptions of their role and identity. This study contributes to further understanding of pharmacy workflow obstacles and pharmacists’ perceptions of their professional roles and identities in the community.

Clinical Trial Participation Among Underserved Communities: Insights from the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance (Oct. 2023) (Publication)

Diverse, equitable and inclusive participation in clinical research is needed to ensure evidence-based clinical practice and lessen disparities in health outcomes. Yet, clinical trial participation remains critically low in minoritized communities, particularly among Blacks. The Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance against COVID-19 Disparities (LA-CEAL) was launched in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black Louisianans to understand community barriers and preferences and increase inclusive participation in research. Quantitative findings (FQHC: N=908, mean age=46.6 years, 66.4% Black; community: N=504, mean age=54.2 years, 93.7% Black) indicated that 0.9% and 3.6%, respectively, ever participated in a COVID-19 trial. Doctors/Healthcare providers were most trusted (FQHC=55.1%; community=59.3%) sources of information about trials. Advancing age was associated with increased odds of being very willing to participate (ORFQHC=1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05; ORCommunity=1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04). Qualitative data (6 FGDs, 29 attendees) revealed limited awareness, experimentation/exploitation-based fears, and minimal racial/ethnic representation among trialists as barriers to participation. COVID-19 trial participation rates were low in our sample. Altruism was a key facilitator to participation; fear, mistrust, and low awareness were predominant barriers. Community-centered approaches, engaging informed providers and trusted community members, may facilitate inclusive trial participation.

Health-care Worker Engagement in Federally Qualified Health Centers and Associations with Confidence in Making Health-care Recommendations: Evidence from the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance (Nov 2023) (Publication)

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been numerous demands on primary care practices and providers affecting work engagement and burnout, which can affect health-care delivery and patient outcomes. We determined potentially modifiable factors associated with work engagement among employees of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) throughout Louisiana. Resilient coping, spirituality, and social support were associated with being engaged at work. FQHC employees perceiving a more chaotic work environment and those with depressive or anxiety symptoms were less likely to be engaged at work. Being engaged was associated with confidence in COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for adults.

Using Community Feedback to Inform Strategies for Inclusive Participation in Research: Lessons Learned from the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance (LA-CEAL) (Jan. 11, 2024) (Publication)

Early in the pandemic, stark racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality directed attention toward the role of social determinants in vulnerability to poor health and its consequences and underscored the need for adequate representation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials to ensure the scientific value, clinical relevance, and public health promise of COVID-19 trials. Importantly, clinical trial participation is affected by multiple factors, and some well-established barriers and facilitators may not be common to all minority populations. Use of community-engaged strategies was critical to understanding key barriers and developing intentional action reflective of Louisiana community needs. Findings supported the need for local messengers and cultural icons who resonate within the community and can engage community members by sharing information and experiences in simple, clear, and meaningful ways. In keeping with principles of implementation science, findings further highlighted the importance of scientists, HCPs, program managers, and community leaders working together at all stages of the research process to monitor activities, evaluate outcomes, and accommodate necessary adaptations to ensure success.

Research reported in this website was supported by NIMHD of the National Institutes of Health under award numbers:

  1. 3U54MD007595-13S3  COVID-19 Vaccine Education at the Point of Testing to Increase Vaccine Uptake in Vulnerable Communities in Southeastern Louisiana

  2. 3U54MD007595-12S4 Assessing Vaccine Hesitancy and a Pharmacist Led Intervention Model to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among African Americans

  3. 2U54MD007595-16 Using a Telehealth Model to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Increase Vaccine Completion Among Communities in Southeastern Louisiana

  4. LA-CEAL, Community Engagement Alliance,

    The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

    Additional research supported provided by:

  5. Roche-Genentech, Advancing Inclusive Research

  6. Robert Woods Johnson Foundation and Horizon Foundation

  7. Pfizer Global Medical Grants