A quality improvement project to increase influenza vaccination in healthcare personnel at a university health center

Abstract

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase the healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccine uptake at a university student health center. A descriptive design was used. A preintervention survey identified facilitators and barriers to HCP's uptake of influenza vaccine. Based on the results of this survey, four interventions were implemented. The postintervention survey was administered to assess for intervention effectiveness. The most common facilitators for influenza vaccination uptake on the preintervention survey were as follows: (a) protect self/family, (b) free vaccine, (c) recommended by experts, and (d) convenient vaccination process. The most common barrier was concern about vaccine side effects. Postintervention, the vaccination uptake increased from 71% in 2008-2009 to 77% in 2009-2010. Free vaccine and convenient vaccination process were rated as the most effective interventions. Education and the declination form used for the project were rated less favorably. Factors influencing vaccine uptake may be different across practice settings. It is important to identify facilitators and barriers that are unique to health centers to better plan and implement interventions to improve vaccination rates. Furthermore, at a time when resources are limited, it is critical to identify the most effective strategies to maximize outcomes.