Use of Technology to Improve Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers at a Pediatric Healthcare Facility, 2007

Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to describe to use of technology to provide timely healthcare worker (HCW) influenza vaccination rates.

Background:
Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota (CHC) implemented an influenza vaccination declination process in 2005, which did not result in a significant increase in HCW vaccination (65%) and rates among privileged physicians was unknown. In 2007, CHC designed a web-based influenza vaccination screening and reporting application.

Setting:
Two 300 bed pediatric hospitals located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, primary and specialty clinics, and an off-site ambulatory surgery center.

Population:
Approximately 4000 employees; including nursing, administration, and employed physicians, 1500 community and specialty providers with privileges.

Project Description:
Because obtaining timely department-specific influenza vaccination rates is difficult, the Infection Control/Infectious Disease Department and Information Systems Management developed a web-based, real-time screening and tracking application. Lists of employees including department and privileged providers were obtained. Computers were available at vaccination clinics. The application included questions to determine eligibility for influenza vaccines. Employee specific data was recorded including: contraindicated, vaccinated or declined. Employees who declined were asked to electronically sign a declination form after reading about influenza. An auto-email thank you was sent to employees and their HR/credentials file was automatically updated. A web-based Internet system accessible through a physician portal was used to track physician vaccinations. Department managers and medical directors were provided with weekly vaccination rates along with notices of upcoming clinics. Real-time rates were posted on the home page and all hospital computer screen savers.

Results/Lessons Learned:
It is difficult to accurately assess HCW influenza vaccination rates in a timely manner, which may increase vaccination rates. A web-based screening system for employee vaccination increased clinic efficiency and can be expanded to send reminders to non-vaccinated employees.