447 Attitudes of Healthcare Workers Towards Influenza Vaccination and Its Impact on Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Influenza vaccination is proposed to be effective in preventing myocardial infarctions (MIs). However, vaccination rates in both adults and health care workers (HCWs) are low. We hypothesize that beliefs of health care workers regarding vaccination impacts on the uptake especially those caring for patients with acute MIs. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding influenza vaccination in a busy cardiology ward within a tertiary institution. A mixed methods approach targeting HCWs caring for AMI patients in an acute cardiology ward comprised of a self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions. Participants completed a survey examining the attitudes towards the uptake of influenza vaccination and participated in focus group discussion which explored the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding influenza vaccination for patients under their care. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using NVivo software. A lack of awareness regarding the associations between influenza, vaccination and cardiovascular health was identified amongst HCWs. Participants were also not routinely discussing the benefits of influenza vaccination or recommending influenza vaccinations to patients under their care. This was due to a combination of a lack of awareness and workload issues. There is limited awareness of the role of influenza on cardiovascular health and the benefits of influenza vaccine in the prevention of cardiovascular events. This impacts on uptake of vaccinations in high risk patients. Improving the health literacy of HCWs regarding the benefits of vaccination as a preventative strategy may results in better health care outcomes.