title: Immunization delivery in British Columbia: perspectives of primary care physicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of family physicians and pediatricians delivering immunizations, including perceived barriers and supports.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten cities throughout British Columbia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 46 family physicians or general practitioners, 10 pediatricians, and 2 residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  A semistructured dialogue guide was used by a trained facilitator to explore participants' experiences and views related to immunization delivery in British Columbia. Verbatim transcriptions were independently coded by 2 researchers. Key themes were analyzed and identified in an iterative manner using interpretive description.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physicians highly valued vaccine delivery. Factors facilitating physician-delivered immunizations included strong beliefs in the value of vaccines and having adequate information. Identified barriers included the large time commitment and insufficient communication about program changes, new vaccines, and the adult immunization program in general. Some physicians reported good relationships with local public health, while others reported the opposite experience, and this varied by geographic location.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that physicians are supportive of delivering vaccines. However, there are opportunities to improve the sustainability of physician-delivered immunizations. While compensation schemes remain under the purview of the provincial governments, local public health authorities can address the information needs of physicians.
authors.affiliation: Vancouver Coastal Health, 800-601 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2. Meena.Dawar@vch.ca.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Omura
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buxton
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaczorowski
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Catterson
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Derban
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hasselback
authors.forename: Shelagh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Machin
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Linekin
authors.forename: Tamsin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morgana
authors.forename: Barra
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: O'Briain
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scheifele
authors.forename: Meena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dawar
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001955:British Columbia; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005194:Family Practice; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D010372:Pediatrics; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013997:Time Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal