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Barriers to Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators
Insights
A positive attitude towards influenza vaccination is key for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). This finding highlights opportunities for healthcare providers to address patient concerns and improve vaccination rates in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Annual influenza vaccination is linked to reduced cardiovascular events.
- Influenza vaccination rates are suboptimal in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients despite recommendations.
- Barriers to influenza vaccination in ICD patients remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify barriers to influenza vaccination in patients with ICDs.
- To understand factors influencing vaccination uptake in this specific cardiac population.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory descriptive design was employed.
- A pilot study utilized a one-page survey administered to ICD patients at a regional cardiac center.
- Multivariate logistic regression analyzed predictors of vaccination receipt.
Main Results:
- 78% of surveyed ICD patients received the influenza vaccine.
- A positive patient attitude towards influenza vaccine safety was the sole predictor of vaccination.
- Easier access to vaccination did not correlate with its receipt.
Conclusions:
- Positive patient attitude is associated with increased influenza vaccine uptake in ICD patients.
- ICD clinic practitioners can address vaccine misconceptions during patient visits.
- Further research is recommended to enhance influenza vaccination rates in this high-risk group.
Background:
Multiple studies have demonstrated a reduction of cardiovascular events in patients who receive the annual influenza vaccine. Despite recommendations from cardiovascular societies, influenza vaccination remains suboptimal in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) population. Barriers to receiving the influenza vaccination have not been explored.
Purpose:
To evaluate the barriers to receiving the influenza vaccine in patients with ICDs.
Design:
Exploratory descriptive design using a survey developed by the staff of the ICD clinic.
Procedure:
A pilot study was conducted as part of a quality initiative of ICD patients at a regional cardiac centre. These patients were approached to participate in a one-page survey assessing barriers to receipt of the influenza vaccination. Predictors of vaccination were determined using multivariate logistic regression.
Findings:
Of the 229 patients who completed the survey between September 1 and November 31, 2011, 78% of the patients received the influenza vaccine. The only factor independently associated with influenza vaccination was a positive patient attitude toward the safety of influenza vaccination. Easier access to the influenza vaccination was not associated with its receipt.
Conclusion:
A positive patient attitude toward the influenza vaccine is associated with its use. ICD clinic practitioners may have an opportunity to explore any misconceptions toward the influenza vaccine at each clinic visit in hope of increasing its receipt. Given the importance of this vaccination, future studies are recommended.
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