Improving Vaccination Rates in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in a Family Practice Setting Through the Use of...

Adults with diabetes are at increased susceptibility to infectious disease because of hyperglycemia, poor glucose control, and decreased immunity. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Texas and the United States.

The purpose of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to implement processes to facilitate providers' adherence to immunization guidelines for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A protocol was created for a family practice clinic using the Four Pillars Transformation Program. Interventions included immunization standing orders, vaccine needs screening, patient education, electronic medical record alerts, an appointed immunization champion, and quality improvement meetings.

Ten weeks post project implementation, the increased screening and education resulted in 64% of the eligible patients being vaccinated with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 23, 86% pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 89% tetanus, and 54% herpes zoster.

The results indicate that formal printed education on diabetes and vaccines increased vaccine uptake in eligible patients by 76%.

The Four Pillars Transformation Program allows each practice the ability to modify and select interventions best suited to the practice needs, making it a feasible tool for any clinic.