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Theory and models for planning and evaluating institutional influenza prevention and control programs
Margaret L Russell1, Wilfreda E Thurston, Elizabeth A Henderson
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
American Journal of Infection Control
|November 11, 2003
Summary
Applying program planning theory improves healthcare influenza vaccination programs. This ensures all staff, including physicians and volunteers, are considered and coverage is monitored for better prevention.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Healthcare facilities often struggle with low staff influenza vaccination rates.
- Vaccination programs may exclude key personnel like physicians and volunteers.
- Inconsistent or incomplete coverage measurement hinders program effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of theory in planning and evaluating healthcare influenza control programs.
- To demonstrate how theoretical frameworks can enhance hospital and nursing home influenza prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Discussed the role of theory in health program planning and evaluation.
- Applied a program planning model to institutional influenza prevention.
Main Results:
- Theory application necessitates clear goal definition and assumption analysis.
- Identified a broader range of staff to include: employees, volunteers, physicians, and contractors.
- Highlighted the importance of evidence-based strategies for increasing vaccination rates.
Conclusions:
- Program planning models can prevent the exclusion of critical target populations.
- Models aid in monitoring key indicators for successful influenza prevention programs.
- Theoretical approaches lead to more comprehensive and effective influenza vaccination strategies.