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Pharmacoepidemiologic program for identifying patients in need of vaccination
1University of North Carolina, School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill 27599-7360.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Pharmacies can identify patients needing vaccines by reviewing prescription drug data. This method successfully flagged individuals for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, increasing immunization rates.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Public Health
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Identifying eligible candidates for vaccination is crucial for public health.
- Computerized pharmacy databases offer a potential resource for identifying at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using prescription drug data to identify patients eligible for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
- To assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist-initiated outreach program for immunization.
Main Methods:
- Developed a list of drugs indicating need for vaccination.
- Searched a hospital pharmacy database for patients prescribed these drugs.
- Screened medical records to verify vaccination indications.
- Sent reminder letters and prescriptions to eligible patients.
Main Results:
- Of 109 patients screened, 80 (73.4%) had valid indications for vaccination.
- 48 (60%) of eligible patients accepted immunization.
- Pulmonary, cardiovascular, and hypoglycemic drug use, along with age over 64, identified the most at-risk patients.
- Patients with multiple risk factors were more likely to accept vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacoepidemiologic programs utilizing prescription data are feasible for identifying vaccination candidates.
- Pharmacists can play a key role in advocating for and facilitating immunizations.
- Targeted outreach based on drug utilization can improve vaccination uptake.