Opportunistic immunisation of paediatric inpatients at Rotorua Hospital: audit and discussion.
OBJECTIVE
To audit current practice around opportunistic immunisation in a New Zealand hospital and make recommendations for improvement.


METHODS
We reviewed inpatient notes for 369 patients aged 3-23 months admitted over a 6-month period in 2007. Data was obtained regarding children's immunisation status, documentation of this and action taken in response to the under-immunised child. Literature review and discussion with local clinicians were used to identify recommendations for future practice.


RESULTS
84% of patients had their immunisation status documented on admission; only 60% of these were up-to-date with immunisations. Official immunisation records were rarely available. In 79% of patients who were behind with immunisation, no follow-up action was recorded, and only 4% of under-immunised children received catch-up immunisation on the unit.


CONCLUSIONS
Current practice around opportunistic immunisation is poor. A number of measures could be expected to improve this; these include establishing routine systems for obtaining immunisation records, a visual reminder system for immunisation and training more staff in immunisation.
Gilbert
Rowena
R
Paediatrics, Lakes DHB, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Wrigley
Katharine
K
D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008499:Medical Records; D009520:New Zealand; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies