Abstract
BackgroundImmunization averts more than 2.5 million deaths of children annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund estimates of immunization coverage in Iraq in 2015 revealed a 58% coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine and a 57% coverage for the measles vaccine. High-quality immunization session practices (ISPs) can ensure safer, more effective vaccination and higher coverage rates.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to assess the impact of training of primary health care centers’ (PHCs) vaccinators on the quality of ISPs.MethodsThis was an interventional study conducted on 10 (18%) PHCs in Wasit Governorate. Two PHCs were randomly selected from each health district. ISPs were assessed by direct on-job observation, using modified WHO immunization session checklists. Findings were grouped into seven domains: vaccine and diluent management, cold chain management, session equipment, registration, communication, vaccine preparation and administration, and waste management. The vaccinators were enrolled in a one-day training session using the WHO module, “Managing an Immunization Session”, and one month later a second assessment was conducted using the same tools and techniques. We then calculated the median differences of the domains' scores.ResultsA total of 42 vaccinators were trained, with 25 (60%) of them having graduated from technical health institutes, but only 15 (36%) having had previous training on standard ISPs. Following training, a significant improvement was noticed in three domains: vaccines and diluents management (P=.01), cold chain management (P=.01) and vaccine preparation and administration (P=.02).ConclusionsThe training of the PHCs' vaccinators for a single day was effective in improving some ISPs. We would recommend using this training module, or a more in-depth one, for other PHCs to improve utilization of immunization services.
Highlights
MethodsVaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements [1], with the greatest impact on human health and longevity compared to any other [2]
Knowledge is vital in maintaining comprehensive vaccination programs and strengthening best practices during daily work, and the goal is to use this knowledge to build vaccinators’ abilities and to improve immunization session practices (ISPs) [6]
Two primary health care centers’ (PHCs) were randomly selected from each health district
Summary
MethodsVaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements [1], with the greatest impact on human health and longevity compared to any other [2]. Public trust in vaccine safety is key to the success of any vaccination program [1], health care professionals must develop and maintain the highest possible competency with vaccination procedures. This process is becoming increasingly difficult due to a lack of resources and due to continuous pressure on professionals’ time. Results: A total of 42 vaccinators were trained, with 25 (60%) of them having graduated from technical health institutes, but only 15 (36%) having had previous training on standard ISPs. Following training, a significant improvement was noticed in three domains: vaccines and diluents management (P=.01), cold chain management (P=.01) and vaccine preparation and administration (P=.02). We would recommend using this training module, or a more in-depth one, for other PHCs to improve utilization of immunization services
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