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Physician practices and attitudes regarding adult immunizations
Peter G Szilagyi1, Laura P Shone, Richard Barth
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Strong Children's Research Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. peter_szilagyi@urmc.rochester.edu
Preventive Medicine
|November 10, 2004
Summary
Most U.S. primary care physicians support adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations but face practical barriers. They are open to adopting strategies like tracking systems and reminders to improve immunization rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Adult immunization remains suboptimal in the U.S.
- Primary care physicians play a crucial role in administering adult vaccines.
- Understanding physician practices and attitudes is key to improving vaccination coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate immunization practices and physician attitudes towards adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
- To identify barriers hindering adult vaccination delivery in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey of primary care internists and family physicians was conducted.
- Response rate was 40% (266/668), with 220 physicians providing adult vaccinations.
- Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined immunization practices, attitudes, and physician characteristics.
Main Results:
- Over 64% of physicians routinely vaccinated eligible patients with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
- Key barriers included patient vaccine safety concerns, time constraints, and inadequate reimbursement.
- Physicians expressed willingness to adopt strategies like tracking systems, chart reminders, and patient reminders.
Conclusions:
- Most physicians support adult vaccinations, but practical challenges impede delivery.
- Evidence-based strategies, such as improved reminder systems, are likely to be adopted by physicians to enhance immunization rates.