Success of the 4 Pillars Toolkit for Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults. Issue 6 (18th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nowalk, Mary Patricia; Nolan, Beth A. D.; Nutini, Jean; Ahmed, Faruque; Albert, Steven M.; Susick, Michael; Zimmerman, Richard K.
• Is Part Of: Journal for healthcare quality. Volume 36:Issue 6(2014:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2013-06-18
• Subjects: Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Quality assurance -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1111/jhq.12020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-2551

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jhq12020-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Standing order programs (SOPs) allowing nonphysician personnel to assess patients' immunization status and administer vaccines without an individual physician order are a proven method of increasing adult vaccinations, yet they are underutilized by primary care physicians.</p> </sec> <sec id="jhq12020-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In a before‐and‐after trial, a pilot‐tested and revised SOP toolkit (4 Pillars Toolkit) was implemented in four diverse primary care practices. Changes in influenza and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) vaccination rates were measured. The toolkit was evaluated using direct observation, group interviews, and surveys of each practice's staff.</p> </sec> <sec id="jhq12020-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Use of the 4 Pillars Toolkit varied across sites. PPSV rates increased significantly overall for high‐risk adults (18–64 years; 25% in 2010–2011 vs. 40% in 2011–2012, <italic>p</italic> = .02) but not for older adults (≥65 years; 44% vs. 52%, <italic>p</italic> = .26) and in two of four practices among both high‐risk and older adults (<italic>p</italic> < .05). Influenza vaccination rates increased significantly in three of four sites and overall (22% in 2010–2011 vs. 33% in 2011–2012, overall; <italic>p</italic> < .001). Practices more fully implementing the toolkit demonstrated larger increases in vaccination rates.</p> </sec> <sec id="jhq12020-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The 4 Pillars Toolkit is a promising means of improving primary care practice across diverse settings, with better results observed when strategies were maximally utilized.</p> </sec> </abstract>