Increasing Annual Influenza Vaccine Rates in Adults through an Email Reminder: A Pilot Quality Improvement Project
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Authors
Hilker, Jenna
Issue Date
2020-05-16
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase adult influenza vaccination rates.|Background: Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection. General symptoms of viral respiratory illnesses are seen in most cases with influenza, however, serious complications may develop including pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic illnesses, and death. To prevent those serious complications, annual influenza vaccination is recommended by many health care organizations. The Healthy People 2020 goal is to increase the annual influenza vaccination rate among adults to 80%.|Sample/Setting: All adult patients, aged 19-99, that visited a rural family practice clinic between October 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019.|Methods: An email reminder was sent out to all adult patients via the patient portal email system. Each patient that presented to the clinic was surveyed to assess if they received the influenza vaccination, why or why not, and if they received the email reminder.|Results: A total of 484 patients were surveyed. One hundred sixty-five patients (34%) received the influenza vaccine at that visit, 220 (45%) did not receive the influenza vaccine that visit, 60 (12%) declined the day of the visit but planned to receive it later on in the season, and 39 (8%) did not receive the vaccination due to contraindications of concurrent illness. From the patients who did receive an influenza vaccination, 78% did so due to personal choice, 16% did so due to provider recommendation or offer, and 6% were encouraged by the email reminder.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University