Leveraging Interdisciplinary Teams for Pre-Visit Planning to Improve Pneumococcal Immunization Rates Among Internal Medicine Subspecialty Practices

Background: Despite the ready availability of pneumococcal vaccines and recommendation of vaccination by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the immunization rates among adults less than 65 years of age with chronic and immunocompromised conditions remain low. Methods: This interventional (cohort) study aimed to improve the pneumococcal vaccination rate for patients with an increased risk of pneumococcal disease by utilizing a three-pronged approach. This included: (1) clinician education webinar, (2) pre-visit counseling performed by registered nurses, targeted toward patients with upcoming appointments, to address vaccination status, and (3) modified pre-visit interdisciplinary team huddle with clinicians and registered nurses to review which patients are amenable to vaccination at the time of visit and those who may benefit from re-engagement and further motivational interviewing. After the completion of the 10-week intervention, study organizers reviewed the percent of patients with completed pneumococcal vaccinations. Results: In this 10-week rapid cycle initiative, a total of 482 patients were eligible for vaccination. During the intervention phase, 370 patients were contacted and of these 38% of patients were amenable to receiving a vaccine during the pre-visit counseling, 5% were previously vaccinated, 18% were not amenable, and 38% were unreachable prior to visit. This initiative resulted in a 43% increase in the vaccination rate in this cohort. Conclusions: The significant increase in vaccination rate supports the utilization of a framework in the multidisciplinary approach to pre-visit planning in non-primary care specialties and other vaccination efforts, especially emerging diseases such as COVID-19. Future directions of study include the efficacy of telemedicine counseling with a same-day appointment for vaccination, co-location of registered nurses within the practice sites, as well as the use of other ancillary staff (such as medical office assistants) to engage patients in pre-visit planning.

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Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage in Scleroderma Patients Still Need to Be Prompted: A Systematic Review

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111330 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1330

Author(s):

Francesca Rosamilia ◽

Giovanni Noberasco ◽

Dario Olobardi ◽

Andrea Orsi ◽

Giancarlo Icardi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Flu Vaccine ◽

Vaccination Campaigns ◽

Low Coverage ◽

Current Guidelines

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by excessive production of collagen and multiorgan involvement. Scleroderma patients are at increased risk of influenza complications and pneumonia; thus, vaccinations are recommended. This systematic review evaluated the influenza and pneumococcus vaccination coverage for SSc patients. We included all studies from Pubmed reporting on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rate in Scleroderma patients up to May 2021. The 14 studies thus selected identified a suboptimal vaccination rate in autoimmune and SSc patients, ranging from 28 to 59% for the flu vaccine, and from 11 to 58% for the pneumo vaccine in absence of specific vaccination campaigns, variously considering also other variables such as age, gender, vaccination settings, and possible vaccination campaigns. We also considered the reasons for low coverage and the approaches that might increase the vaccination rates. A lack of knowledge about the importance of vaccination in these patients and their doctors underlined the need to increase the awareness for vaccination in this patients’ category. Current guidelines recommend vaccination in elderly people and people affected by particular conditions that widely overlap with SSc, yet autoimmune diseases are not always clearly mentioned. Improving this suboptimal vaccination rate with clear guidelines is crucial for SSc patients and for clinicians to immunize these categories based principally on the pathology, prior to the age. Recommendations by the immunologist and the direct link to the vaccine providers can highly improve the vaccine coverage.

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Cutaneous anthrax outbreak associated with handling dead animals, Rhino Camp sub-county: Arua District, Uganda, January–May 2018

One Health Outlook ◽

10.1186/s42522-021-00040-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vivian Ntono ◽

Daniel Eurien ◽

Lilian Bulage ◽

Daniel Kadobera ◽

Julie Harris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Health Centre ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Suspected Case ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Multiple Exposures ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Cutaneous Anthrax

Abstract Background On 18 January 2018 a 40 year old man presented with skin lesions at Rhino Camp Health Centre. A skin lesion swab was collected on 20 January 2018 and was confirmed by PCR at Uganda Virus Research Institute on 21 January 2018. Subsequently, about 9 persons were reported to have fallen ill after reporting contact with livestock that died suddenly. On 9 February 2018, Arua District notified Uganda Ministry of Health of a confirmed anthrax outbreak among humans in Rhino Camp sub-county. We investigated to determine the scope and mode of transmission and exposures associated with identified anthrax to guide control and prevention measures. Methods We defined a suspected cutaneous anthrax case as onset of skin lesions (e.g., papule, vesicle, or eschar) in a person residing in Rhino Camp sub-county, Arua District from 25 December 2017 to 31 May 2018. A confirmed case was a suspected case with PCR-positivity for Bacillus anthracis from a clinical sample. We identified cases by reviewing medical records at Rhino Camp Health Centre. We also conducted additional case searches in the affected community with support from Community Health Workers. In a retrospective cohort study, we interviewed all members of households in which at least one person had contact with the carcasses of or meat from animals suspected to have died of anthrax. We collected and tested hides of implicated animals using an anthrax rapid diagnostic test. Results We identified 14 case-patients (1 confirmed, 13 suspected); none died. Only males were affected (affected proportion: 12/10,000). Mean age of case-persons was 33 years (SD: 22). The outbreak lasted for 5 months, from January 2018–May 2018, peaking in February. Skinning (risk ratio = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1–6.7), dissecting (RR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2–7.6), and carrying dead animals (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1–6.7) were associated with increased risk of illness, as were carrying dissected parts of animals (RR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5) and preparing and cooking the meat (RR = 2.3, 95% CI 0.9–5.9). We found evidence of animal remains on pastureland. Conclusion Multiple exposures to the hides and meat of animals that died suddenly were associated with this cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Arua District. We recommended public education about safe disposal of carcasses of livestock that die suddenly.

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Modernizing Perinatal Substance Use Management

Policy Politics & Nursing Practice ◽

10.1177/1527154420981945 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 152715442098194

Author(s):

Brayden N. Kameg

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Analytical Framework ◽

Prevention Policy ◽

Opioid Use ◽

Health Crisis ◽

State Regulations ◽

Control And Prevention

The increase in prescription and illicit opioid use since 2000 has become an urgent public health crisis. While the opioid epidemic spans racial, regional, and socioeconomic divides, women have surfaced as one demographic affected by opioid use and related sequelae. Certain federal and state regulations, secondary to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, strip pregnant women with opioid use disorders of the ability to engage autonomously with their health care clinician while simultaneously impeding their ability to achieve and sustain recovery. The purpose of this article is to explore current health policy that impacts pregnant women who use opioids. Recommendations to improve care, broadly, will be highlighted to include access to contraceptive services, universal screening for perinatal substance use, and access to appropriate treatment strategies. Policy modifications to facilitate these recommendations are discussed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Policy Analytical Framework was utilized to derive recommendations. The recommendations are relevant to advanced practice registered nurses and midwives who have the potential to treat substance use in women, to women’s health and pediatric registered nurses, and to nursing administrators who are involved in decision-making in obstetric and pediatric settings.

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Transformation Through Health Teaching for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1352/1934-9556-50.02.129 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 129-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ginny Focht-New

Keyword(s):

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Developmental Process ◽

Comparative Method ◽

Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽

Naturalistic Inquiry ◽

Teaching Activities ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Health Teaching

Abstract Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have medical conditions similar to those among the general population but with more complex presentation, a extended life expectancy, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. These adults' health education has been inadequate. In this qualitative study, the author describes the experiences of 23 registered nurses who provide health teaching to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, selection of and health topics taught, and teaching activities put into practice. The author used a rigorous descriptive, naturalistic inquiry design with purposive (n = 22) and snowball (n = 1) sampling. Data were gathered through individual interviews, focus groups, and nonparticipant observations, and analyzed with a constant comparative method. Findings concerned the educators' developmental process, use of a social context to teach, and health-teaching activities. Registered nurses s described their transformation from insecure, novice health educators to confident and passionate educators of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings apply to multiple disciplines.

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Coeliac disease and invasive pneumococcal disease: a population-based cohort study

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268816003204 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 145 (6) ◽

pp. 1203-1209 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

A. RÖCKERT TJERNBERG ◽

J. BONNEDAHL ◽

M. INGHAMMAR ◽

A. EGESTEN ◽

G. KAHLMETER ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Coeliac Disease ◽

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease ◽

Pneumococcal Disease ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

Population Based ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Severe Infections

SUMMARYSevere infections are recognized complications of coeliac disease (CD). In the present study we aimed to examine whether individuals with CD are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). To do so, we performed a population-based cohort study including 29 012 individuals with biopsy-proven CD identified through biopsy reports from all pathology departments in Sweden. Each individual with CD was matched with up to five controls (n = 144 257). IPD events were identified through regional and national microbiological databases, including the National Surveillance System for Infectious Diseases. We used Cox regression analyses to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for diagnosed IPD. A total of 207 individuals had a record of IPD whereas 45/29 012 had CD (0·15%) and 162/144 257 were controls (0·11%). This corresponded to a 46% increased risk for IPD [HR 1·46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·05–2·03]. The risk estimate was similar after adjustment for socioeconomic status, educational level and comorbidities, but then failed to attain statistical significance (adjusted HR 1·40, 95% CI 0·99–1·97). Nonetheless, our study shows a trend towards an increased risk for IPD in CD patients. The findings support results seen in earlier research and taking that into consideration individuals with CD may be considered for pneumococcal vaccination.

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The influence of workplace stress and coping on depressive symptoms among registered nurses in Bangladesh

Belitung Nursing Journal ◽

10.33546/bnj.1959 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Reva Mondal ◽

Yajai Sitthimongkol ◽

Nopporn Vongsirimas ◽

Natkamol Chansatitporn ◽

Kathy Hegadoren

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Workplace Stress ◽

Unique Contribution ◽

Workplace Stressors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Relationship

Background: Nurses report high levels of workplace stress, which has been linked to an increased risk for experiencing depressive symptoms.Nurses’ workplace stress is also linked to increased absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the incidence of depressive symptoms among hospital-based registered nurses in Bangladesh; (2) common sources of workplace stress and their relationships to individual characteristics and depressive symptom scores; and (3) the potential mediating roles of coping strategies in the relationship between workplace stress and depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study design involved three hundred and fifty-two registered nurses. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and three standardized tools measuring sources of nurses’ workplace stress, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms. Results: More than half of the participants scored ≥ 16 on the CES-D, which was associated with a major depression episode. Total NSS scores had a small but significant influence on scores on the depression scale. Coping strategies had no mediated effect on the relationship between workplace stress and scores on the depression scale. Low-reliability coefficients for subscales of two of the standardized tools highlight the challenge for researchers in developing countries to address contextual differences that may influence the meanings attached to individual items. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the mental health of registered nurses in Bangladesh requires immediate attention in part by attending to workplace stressors. Further research should focus on a deeper understanding of Bangladeshi registered nurses’ work experiences and the unique contribution that workplace stressors have on their physical and mental health.

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SARS-CoV-2 screening prevalence in educational staff in Berlin, Germany, June-December 2020

10.1101/2021.05.19.21257452 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sophia Kindzierski ◽

Welmoed van Loon ◽

Johanna Theuring ◽

Franziska Hommes ◽

Eberhard Thombansen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Prevalence ◽

Occupational Hazards ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

School Settings ◽

Occupational Risks ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Educational Staff ◽

Infection Control And Prevention ◽

Pandemic Wave

SARS-CoV-2 infections in childcare and school settings potentially bear occupational risks to educational staff. We analyzed data derived from voluntary, PCR-based screening of childcare educators and teachers attending five testing sites in Berlin, Germany, between June and December 2020. Within seven months, 17,491 tests were performed (4,458 educators, 13,033 teachers). Participants were largely female (72.9%), and median age was 41 years. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence was 1.2% (95%CI, 1.1-1.4%). Prevalence in educational staff largely resembled community incidence until the start of the second pandemic wave in mid-September 2020, when an unsteady prevalence plateau was reached. Then, infection prevalence in teachers (1.2% [95%CI, 0.8-1.8%]) did not significantly differ from the population prevalence (0.9% [0.6-1.4%]) but it was increased in educators (2.6% [1.6-4.0%]; aOR, 1.6 [1.3-2.0]). Irrespective of occupation, those that reported contact to a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case outside of work had increased risk of infection (aOR, 3.0 [95%CI, 1.5-5.5]). In a step-wise backwards selection, the best set of associated factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection involved age, occupation, and calendar week. These results are in line with findings that teachers do not bear an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while childcare educators do. Infection control and prevention measures need to be strengthened in child care settings to further reduce respective occupational hazards. At the same time, the private environment appears to be the main source of SARS-CoV-2 infection for educational staff.

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Effectiveness of Conjugate and Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccines for Prevention of Severe Pneumococcal Disease Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab017 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bryan L Love ◽

Christopher J Finney ◽

Jill K J Gaidos

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Bowel Disease ◽

Pneumococcal Disease ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Health Administration ◽

Immunosuppressive Medications ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen responsible for severe pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, bacteremia/sepsis, and meningitis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have an increased risk for infections due to an altered immune system and treatment with immunosuppressive medications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of severe pneumococcal disease (SPD) and evaluate the impact of pneumococcal vaccination on the risk of SPD in Veterans with IBD. Methods Subjects with IBD and SPD were identified from the VA Health Administration database using ICD9/10 codes. Pneumococcal vaccination and use of immunosuppressant medications were collected. Risk of SPD was evaluated using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model controlling for demographics, medications, vaccination, and comorbidities. Results A total of 1798 cases of SPD were identified (283 pneumonia, 1,513 bacteremia, and 2 meningitis). SPD patients were older (60.9 years vs 59.4 years; p<0.001), had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2.11 vs. 0.96; p<0.001) and had increased mortality (4.6% vs. 1.5%, p<0.001). The risk of SPD was increased in Crohn’s disease (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05-1.27) and with more comorbidities (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.42-1.48). Use of immunosuppressive medications increased the risk of SPD. Receipt of PCV13 either alone or in combination with PPSV23 predicted a five-fold decreased risk of SPD compared with no vaccination. Conclusion Vaccination with PCV13 alone or in combination with PPSV23 and revaccination with PPSV23, was protective against SPD. All IBD patients should be evaluated for pneumococcal vaccination, particularly those receiving or expected to receive immunosuppressive therapies.

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Improving pneumococcal vaccination rates in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e18666 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e18666-e18666

Author(s):

Simone Chang ◽

Alexandra Cheerva ◽

Michael Angelo Huang ◽

Kerry McGowan ◽

Esther E Knapp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Hematologic Malignancy ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Lymphoblastic Lymphoma ◽

Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Pediatric All

e18666 Background: Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/ Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (ALL/LLy) is the most common pediatric cancer. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is prevalent in this population and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pneumococcal vaccination to decrease morbidity and mortality. Despite these recommendations, vaccination rates remain low and the incidence of IPD among children with hematologic malignancy is significantly higher compared to the average pediatric population. An interventional study was designed to improve the vaccination rate and reduce the incidence of IPD in our institution. Methods: A plan-do-study-act (PDSA) model of quality improvement (QI) was used. Chart review at our institute was done for the 6-month period of January 2020 - June 2020 and baseline rates for pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) vaccination were calculated. Patients were included if they were ≥ 2 years old, diagnosed with ALL/LLy, and undergoing maintenance. A multidisciplinary team performed the root cause analysis. Immunization records were obtained and reviewed and targeted interventions were implemented. The interventions used are outlined in Table. The percentage of pediatric ALL/LLy patients per month in maintenance who received age-appropriate pneumococcal vaccinations was monitored before and after the interventions. Results: Analysis of the 6-month retrospective cohort (n=36) showed a baseline vaccination rate of 5.5%. During the subsequent 6-month phase with interventions, 40 patients were prospectively enrolled. Demographics showed a mean age of 10.2 years (range, 2-21) and a predominantly male (66.7%) cohort. B-cell ALL/LLy comprised the majority (78.9%); the rest included T-cell ALL/LLy and mixed phenotype acute leukemia. As seen in Table, the percentage receiving at least 1 pneumococcal vaccine increased from 5.5% to 84.8% over the first 3 months, this plateaued around 81%. Completion of the series mirrored this and increased to 74.2%. Pre-visit planning and cues proved to be the most helpful interventions. Conclusions: Use of a PDSA model successfully improved pneumococcal vaccination rates in the pediatric ALL/LLy population. We suggest these results can be achieved with planning and implementation of the outlined interventions. [Table: see text]

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Abstract P271: Influenza and Herpes Zoster Vaccination in United States Stroke Survivors: A Nationwide Analysis

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p271 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mu Ji Hwang ◽

Setareh Salehi Omran ◽

Saad Mir ◽

Alexander E Merkler ◽

Hooman Kamel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Herpes Zoster ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Rates ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prior Stroke

Introduction: Patients with stroke face an increased risk of contracting influenza and herpes zoster. We compared vaccination rates in stroke survivors versus the general United States population. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which is an annual, nationally representative, health survey. Respondents are asked about medical conditions and care. We used the most recent years with complete data for influenza (2018) and zoster (2017). We utilized survey procedures to estimate CDC-recommended vaccination rates for influenza (annual vaccination for all) and zoster (one-time vaccination for those at least 50 years old). Multiple logistic regression was used to compare the odds of vaccination in those with and without prior stroke, while adjusting for demographics (including income and health insurance) and comorbidities that may influence vaccination rates (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, pulmonary disease, and smoking). Results: In 2018, 8,254,136 (3.4%; 95% CI, 3.3-3.5) Americans were stroke survivors. The influenza vaccination rate was 44.4% (95% CI, 42.8-46.2) in stroke survivors and 32.8% (95% CI, 32.5-33.1) otherwise. In unadjusted models, stroke survivors were more likely to have had an influenza vaccination in the past year than those without stroke (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5-1.8). In 2017, 5,839,186 (5.7%; 95% CI, 5.5-5.9) Americans over 50 years old (i.e., eligible for zoster vaccination) were stroke survivors. The zoster vaccination rate was 30.3% (95% CI, 28.8-32.0) in stroke survivors and 27.6% (95% CI, 27.3-28.0) in those without prior stroke. Stroke survivors were more likely to have had zoster vaccination than those without stroke (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.23). However, after accounting for demographics and comorbidities, stroke survivors were not more likely to be vaccinated for influenza (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.93-1.10) or zoster (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.90-1.12). Conclusion: Stroke survivors were not vaccinated at higher rates than expected based on demographics and comorbidities, and absolute vaccination rates were low, especially for zoster. Efforts to increase vaccination after stroke may be needed.

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