Lessons to be learned: Using National Immunisation strategies to improve adherence to acute rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis. (13th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liaw, Joshua Y; White, Andrew V; Gorton, Susan; Axford‐Haines, Louise
• Is Part Of: Journal of paediatrics and child health. Volume 55:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1170
• Page End: 1176
• Publication Date: 2019-08-13
• Subjects: acute rheumatic fever -- acute rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis -- Australia -- benzathine penicillin G -- immunisation -- rheumatic heart disease; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-4810

Abstract

Abstract: Rheumatic heart disease, as a result of a single or recurrent episode of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in northern and remote Australia; ARF has a peak incidence among 5–14‐year‐old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Long‐term regular benzathine penicillin G injections are the only currently successful secondary prevention strategy; however, rates of adherence remain critically low. In contrast, rates of adherence to immunisations on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule are high, even among this target population. This article compares strategies used to implement and improve ARF secondary prophylaxis with those used in the NIP. Some successful NIP strategies, such as Service Incentive Payment for health providers, home‐visiting delivery models and integration into the National Immunisation Register, if applied to ARF secondary prophylaxis have the potential to improve benzathine penicillin G adherence.