Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/8543479
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
pneumococcal, pneumonia, patient education, vaccination, barriers, older adults
Advisor
Pamela Aselton
DNP Project Chair
Pamela Aselton
DNP Project Member Name
Raeann Leblanc
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Vanessa Sheehan
Abstract
Background:Pneumococcal disease is a transmitted infectious illness that results in serious complications and death every year in the United States. Given their increased susceptibility to the potential complications of this disease, patients aged 65 and older are considered to be high-risk, but vaccination compliance for this population remain well below state and national goals.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase pneumococcal vaccination rates among adults aged 65 and older in a primary care clinic by increasing patient education.
Methods: An educational intervention was implemented within a large primary care practice located in Central Massachusetts. Educational materials were distributed within the clinic, including posters, vaccine information sheets, and flyers. Cumulative vaccination rates for pneumococcal pneumonia among the target population were analyzed pre and post intervention to evaluate project impact. Mixed methods were used for analyzing project results.
Results: Results demonstrated a nearly 10% increase in cumulative vaccination rates after project implementation. There also proved a statistically significant relationship between patient education and rates of vaccination exists (p < .0001).
Conclusion: The project’s findings demonstrate that increasing patient education in the primary care setting can improve rates of vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia in vulnerable patient populations.
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