Vaccinating in the Emergency Department, a Novel Approach to Improve Influenza Vaccination Rates via a Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza vaccination decreases individual and population-level morbidity and mortality, mitigates risk of acquiring influenza-like illness, and prevents healthcare system overburdening. Vaccination is important for people living with HIV (PLWH) who have increased risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and poor outcomes. Moreover, influenza vaccination has been associated with decreased COVID-19 mortality in older patients. Historical annual adult influenza vaccinations rates at the study site were 65%, exceeding local and national benchmarks. Amidst COVID-19, we recognized a need to increase influenza vaccination rates. Methods A multifaceted, bundled quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed to achieve ≥ 80% influenza vaccination coverage for the 2020-21 season in PLWH ≥18 years of age at our Wilmington site (N=750). Stakeholders were identified, and a voluntary multidisciplinary team formed to lead the initiative (Fig. 1). Fishbone diagram outlined clear, rapidly implementable, and reproducible levers for change (Fig. 2). Physical and virtual space changes included: diverse clinical displays (visuals, patient materials), phone messaging, and virtual platform use. Staff education and updates were consistently provided by the team. Institutional Review Board exemption was received, and electronic medical record and CareWare data were extracted from 1 Oct 2020 through 31 March 2021. All external vaccinations were confirmed. Overall and eligible in-clinic vaccination rates were updated and displayed weekly. Results 86% vaccination coverage was achieved (Fig. 3) with a median weekly in-clinic vaccination rate of 67% (Fig. 4). Conclusion A QI project to improve 2020-21 influenza vaccination rates exceeded our goal in adult PLWH at an urban mid-Atlantic HIV clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multidisciplinary approach that engaged stakeholders was vital to success. Rapid roll-out of changes was challenging, requiring flexibility and clear communication. Data collection was consistent, albeit imperfect, and needs enhancement. Elucidating the effects of each change and the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination rates is not yet known. Lessons learned may be applicable to other ambulatory settings and will inform future vaccination efforts. Disclosures Deborah A. Kahal, MD,MPH, FACP, Gilead (Speaker’s Bureau)Viiv (Speaker’s Bureau)

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Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates in Hospitalized Asthmatics: A Three-year Longitudinal Quality Improvement Initiative

10.1542/peds.141.1_meetingabstract.411 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Huay-ying Lo ◽

Dana Foradori ◽

Krisanne Graves ◽

Amy Jeppesen ◽

Melissa Chladek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Vaccination Rates

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P04 A quality improvement initiative to improve influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates in patients receiving biological DMARDS (bDMARDs) in the mid-west of Ireland

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa111.003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

Wan Lin Ng ◽

Aqeel Anjum ◽

Alwin Sebastian ◽

Joe Devlin ◽

Alexander Fraser

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Action Plan ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Immunocompromised Patients ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Common Diagnosis

Abstract Background bDMARDs have been the panacea for rheumatic diseases but their use may increase the risk of infection. Morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic disease can be prevented with influenza and pneumococcal (PCV) vaccinations. Methods We implemented a multifaceted quality improvement (QI) approach at our infusion unit using the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology. Interventions included training of rheumatology nurses, individual patient consultations and distribution of Arthritis UK booklet on vaccination. During the first cycle, patients on bDMARDs attending the rheumatology infusion unit between January to April 2018 were recruited. Initial data included patients’ demographics, diagnosis, bDMARD, their influenza and PCV vaccination statuses with reasons for not having vaccination. The second cycle was carried out from January to April 2019. Results 92 patients were recruited in the first cycle; mean age was 53.2 years with 63 (68.5%) females. The uptake of vaccination was 52 (56.5%) for influenza and 31 (33.7%) for PCV. More importantly, 39 (42.4%) patients did not receive either vaccination. Of the 18 (19.6%) patients aged ≥65 years, 5 (27.8%) received influenza vaccination alone and 8 (44.4%) received both. The most common diagnosis from our cohort was rheumatoid arthritis (37%), followed by spondylarthritis (13%), Behçet’s disease (9.8%) and others (40.2%). 48 (52.2%) were on rituximab, 37 (40.2%) on infliximab, 6 (6.5%) were on tocilizumab and 1 (1.1%) was on abatacept. 40 (43.5%) who did not receive the influenza vaccination stated that they were either unaware (45%), uninterested (25%), afraid of SEs (12.5%), forgotten (5%), unaware it was recommended (5%). Of the 61 (66.3%) patients who did not receive the PCV, 44 (72.1%) were unaware of its availability, 6 (9.8%) were uninterested, 8 (13.2%) were fearful of side effects (SEs) and 3 (4.9%) were unaware it was recommended. Patients who did not have vaccination were interviewed again during second cycle after QI interventions. There was satisfactory improvement in the vaccination rate of influenza vaccination (71.7%) and PCV (56.5%). The most common reason for the lack of vaccination were fear of SEs for influenza vaccination and unaware of its availability for PCV. 6 (9.7%) had serious infections in the preceding year requiring hospital admission; 3 had chest infections, 1 had urinary tract infection, 1 had cellulitis and 1 had necrotising fasciitis. Conclusion Although the baseline vaccination rate was suboptimal in our cohort, there was a significant improvement after the QI interventions. The lack of awareness is the main reason for failure to be vaccinated. There is a need of a more robust action plan involving both the rheumatology team and primary care physicians to ensure adequate vaccination in immunocompromised patients. In the next step, we also aim to implement these QI interventions to the immunocompromised patients attending outpatient clinics. Disclosures W. Ng None. A. Anjum None. A. Sebastian None. J. Devlin None. A. Fraser None.

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P041 Successful Reduction in Opioid Prescription for IBD Flare in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study and Quality Improvement Initiative

The American Journal of Gastroenterology ◽

10.14309/01.ajg.0000798764.14625.6a ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 116 (1) ◽

pp. S10-S11

Author(s):

Park Steven ◽

Graziano Elliot ◽

Lee Edwin ◽

Bittner Krystle ◽

Acquisto Nicole ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Retrospective Study ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Opioid Prescription ◽

Successful Reduction

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Improving pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult emergency department

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy ◽

10.1093/ajhp/zxab383 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Souheila N Hachem ◽

Julie M Thomson ◽

Melissa K Heigham ◽

Nancy C MacDonald

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Pharmacy Services ◽

Compliance Assessment ◽

Practice Elements ◽

Full Compliance ◽

Institutional Review ◽

Improve Compliance ◽

American Society

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) guidelines for providing pediatric pharmacy services in hospitals and health systems can be used to improve medication safety wherever pediatric patients receive care, including in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this initiative was to improve compliance with these guidelines in a primarily adult ED. Methods This quality improvement initiative was conducted in a level 1 trauma center ED between October 2019 and March 2020. The ASHP-PPAG guidelines were used to create practice elements applicable to the ED. An initial compliance assessment defined elements as noncompliant, partially compliant, fully compliant, or not applicable. Investigators identified interventions to improve compliance for noncompliant or partially compliant elements and then reassessed compliance following implementation. Data were expressed using descriptive statistics. This initiative was exempt from institutional review board approval. Results Ninety-three ED practice elements were identified within the 9 standards of the ASHP-PPAG guidelines. At the initial compliance assessment, the majority (59.8%) of practice elements were fully compliant; however, various service gaps were identified in 8 of the standards, and 16 interventions were implemented to improve compliance. At the final compliance assessment, there was a 19.5% increase in full compliance. Barriers to achieving full compliance included technology restrictions, time constraints, financial limitations, and influences external to pharmacy. Conclusion This quality improvement initiative demonstrated that the ASHP-PPAG guidelines can be used to improve ED pediatric pharmacy services in a primarily adult institution. The initiative may serve as an example for other hospitals to improve compliance with the guidelines.

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Abstract WP237: Improved Thrombolysis Rates and Quality of Care for Stroke Patients Through a Provincial Emergency Department Quality Improvement Initiative

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.awp237 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Devin R Harris ◽

Robert Stenstrom ◽

Eric Grafstein ◽

Mark Collison ◽

Grant Innes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Large Scale ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Baseline Data ◽

Quality Improvement Initiative ◽

Stroke Patients

Background: The care of stroke patients in the emergency department (ED) is time sensitive and complex. We sought to improve quality of care for stroke patients in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, emergency departments. Objectives: To measure the outcomes of a large-scale quality improvement initiative on thrombolysis rates and other ED performance measures. Methods: This was an evaluation of a large-scale stroke quality improvement initiative, within ED’s in B.C., Canada, in a before-after design. Baseline data was derived from a medical records review study performed between December 1, 2005 to January 31, 2007. Adherence to best practice was determined by measuring selected performance indicators. The quality improvement initiative was a collaboration between multidisciplinary clinical leaders within ED’s throughout B.C. in 2007, with a focus on implementing clinical practice guidelines and pre-printed order sets. The post data was derived through an identical methodology as baseline, from March to December 2008. The primary outcome was the thrombolysis rate; secondary outcomes consisted of other ED stroke performance measures. Results: 48 / 81 (59%) eligible hospitals in B.C. were selected for audit in the baseline data; 1258 TIA and stroke charts were audited. For the post data, 46 / 81 (57%) acute care hospitals were selected: 1199 charts were audited. The primary outcome of the thrombolysis rate was 3.9% (23 / 564) before and 9.3% (63 / 676) after, an absolute difference of 5.4% (95% CI: 2.3% - 7.6%; p=0.0005). Other measures showed changes: administration of aspirin to stroke patients in the ED improved from 23.7% (127 / 535) to 77.1% (553 / 717), difference = 53.4% (95% CI: 48.3% - 58.1%; p=0.0005); and, door to imaging time improved from 2.25 hours (IQR = 3.81 hours) to 1.57 hours (IQR 3.0), difference = 0.68 hours (p=0.03). Differences were found in improvements between large and small institutions, and between health regions. Conclusions: Implementation of a provincial emergency department quality improvement initiative showed significant improvement in thrombolysis rates and adherence to other best practices for stroke patients. The specific factors that influenced improvement need to be further explored.

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