Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Embargo Period
9-25-2018
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2018
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
Influenza vaccine, health care workers, vaccination rate, long term care, acute care
Advisor
Dr. Clare Lamontagne
DNP Project Chair
Dr. Clare Lamontagne
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Dr. Steven Brooks
Abstract
Background: Influenza is a contagious disease affecting over three million people every year. It is associated with yearly seasonal outbreaks which increases the risk of mortality among immune-compromised, hospitalized clients, clients in long-term care facilities and also enhances the risk of infection in healthcare workers (HCWs). Nosocomial infections and employees’ absenteeism are often associated with the flu. A high influenza vaccination rate in health care professionals reduces the risk of influenza infection as well as being a cost- effective strategy to reduce lost work hours. A Joint Commission criterion for accreditation for healthcare facilities is to achieve a 90% or better vaccination rate by 2020. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was, to educate and increase HCWs awareness of the impact of influenza, remove barriers to taking the vaccine, consequently improving vaccination rate. Methods: This project evaluated the impact of a comprehensive educational program guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), and a leadership-modeled intervention; administering pre and post-questionnaires to a group of HCWswho either worked in acute or long-term care facility or declined the flu vaccine in 2016/17 season. Results/conclusion: There was a 45% increase in vaccination rate in acute and 36.3% increase in LTC among N= 110 participants.Vaccination rate for the organization improved from 66% to 82.2%. Use of education and active leadership support increased HCWs understanding of influenza illness, and removed important barriers that affected decisions to be vaccinated.
Keywords: Influenza vaccine, health behaviors, healthcare workers, vaccination rate, hospital.
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