Improving immunization rates: initial results from a team-based, systems change approach.
OBJECTIVE
The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed a quality improvement (QI) program to address deficiencies in immunization rates, primarily for influenza, and determine the program's impact on adult immunization.


METHODS
An interventional study using a pre-post design. Three cohorts of physician practices were invited from a random sample of 2000 to attend 1-day training sessions in 2004, 2005, and 2006 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Participants performed data abstractions and developed QI plans. Baseline data were compared with follow-up.


RESULTS
Fifty-five practices received training, 39 practices provided baseline data, and 11 practices provided follow-up data, reporting on 4208 patients. Baseline rates for influenza were 51% for cohort 1, 42% for cohort 2, and 59% for cohort 3. Follow-up data collection is ongoing.


CONCLUSIONS
Rates increased for patients with private insurance and patients aged 50 to 64 years, suggesting that many providers attending the training were unaware of the need to vaccinate these patients.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA. creynolds@acponline.org
Cara Egan
CE
Reynolds
Vincenza
V
Snow
Amir
A
Qaseem
Lia
L
Verbonitz
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D007252:Influenza Vaccines