Utilization of EHR Provider Prompts to Maximize Adult Pertussis Immunization Rates

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious but preventable bacterial infection. The increased prevalence may be attributable to the low rate of adults being vaccinated against the disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine how a computerized clinical reminder assists in improving adherence to adult pertussis immunization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The study utilized a nonrandomized intervention-control design. Data were extracted from baseline patient electronic health records (EHRs; N = 352) and from patient EHRs used for intervention and control (n = 120); these were drawn from 2 primary care practices affiliated with an urban teaching hospital. Additional data collected concerned patient demographics, type of office visit, and health insurance coverage as related to pertussis vaccinations. Results indicated that a higher percentage of patients in the intervention group received the Tdap vaccination when compared to the baseline (p < .01) but not the control group (p = .47). Age (p = .04) and type of health insurance coverage (p = .03) influenced Tdap vaccination rates, whereas visit type approached significance (p = .08) and gender had no influence. The EHR clinical reminder may influence health care providers' adherence to CDC recommendations for administering adult pertussis immunizations.