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A target-based model for increasing influenza immunizations in private practice. Genesee Hospital Medical Staff
J Buffington1, K M Bell, F M LaForce
1Department of Medicine, Genesee Hospital, Rochester, NY 14607.
Objective:
To measure the impact of a population-based tracking system on influenza immunization rates.
Design:
Thirteen practices with 45 physicians were randomized to a control and two intervention groups.
Setting:
Private practices.
Patients:
All patients aged 65 years and over who were seen in participating physicians' practices within the preceding two years.
Intervention:
In both intervention groups influenza immunization rates for physicians were recorded weekly as cumulative percentages of their target populations, using a specially prepared poster. In addition, postcard reminders were sent to all the patients in one of the intervention groups.
Measurements And Main Results:
Immunization rates in the two intervention groups were 30% higher than in the control group; the control group immunized 50% (2,405/4,772) of its target population, while the poster and poster/postcard groups immunized 66% (1,420/2,149) and 67% (2,427/3,604), respectively.
Conclusion:
A population-based strategy that monitors performance can significantly improve rates of influenza immunization in private practices.