Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Improving adult immunization practices using a team approach in the primary care setting
Meghan Gannon1, Amir Qaseem, Qianna Snooks
1American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, PA, USA. mgannon@acponline.org
American Journal of Public Health
|May 19, 2012
Summary
A team-based approach significantly improved immunization rates in primary care practices. Key vaccinations like tetanus diphtheria (Td)/tetanus diphtheria pertussis (Tdap), herpes zoster, and pneumococcal saw notable increases following the intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Low immunization rates remain a challenge in primary care settings.
- A proactive, team-based strategy is needed to enhance vaccination coverage.
- Understanding the impact of quality improvement interventions on immunization practices is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a team-based approach in improving immunization rates within primary care practices.
- To assess the impact of a multifaceted intervention on the uptake of various adult and adolescent vaccinations.
Main Methods:
- Primary care practices conducted random chart abstractions at baseline and 12 months post-intervention.
- Data collection included influenza, pneumococcal, Td/Tdap, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, varicella, herpes zoster, and HPV immunizations.
- Intervention components included feedback reports, an online educational tool, and quality improvement coaching calls.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements were observed in Td/Tdap (45.6% to 55.0%), herpes zoster (12.3% to 19.3%), and pneumococcal (52.2% to 74.5%) vaccination rates.
- Physician discussions regarding herpes zoster and pneumococcal vaccines increased significantly.
- Adoption of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule rose from 52.9% to 88.2%.
Conclusions:
- The implemented team-based approach successfully improved immunization rates in the participating primary care practices.
- Quality improvement strategies, including education and coaching, are effective in enhancing vaccination coverage.
- The study highlights the potential for practice-wide interventions to boost preventive care delivery.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...