Immunization education for internal medicine residents: A cluster-randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Improving immunization rates is crucial for public health.
• Internal medicine residents play a key role in patient vaccination.
• Assessing novel educational strategies is vital for enhancing resident practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel Preferred Cognitive Styles and Decision Making Model (PCSDM) immunization curriculum.
• To assess changes in patient immunization rates within resident continuity clinics.
• To measure resident immunization knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP).

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 143 internal medicine residents.
• Comparison of a PCSDM curriculum plus fact-based education (intervention) versus fact-based education alone (control).
• Outcomes included patient immunization rates (influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, pertussis, zoster) and resident KAP surveys.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed improved influenza and pertussis immunization rates; no significant difference between groups.
• Influenza immunization rates increased by over 30% in both intervention and control groups.
• Residents demonstrated improved immunization knowledge, with the intervention group showing enhanced confidence in patient counseling.

Conclusions:

• Fact-based immunization education effectively improved influenza and pertussis vaccination rates among residents.
• The PCSDM curriculum did not surpass standard education in increasing immunization rates.
• The PCSDM curriculum significantly enhanced resident confidence in vaccine communication with patients.