title: Barriers to Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple studies have demonstrated a reduction of cardiovascular events in patients who receive the annual influenza vaccine. Despite recommendations from cardiovascular societies, influenza vaccination remains suboptimal in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) population. Barriers to receiving the influenza vaccination have not been explored.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the barriers to receiving the influenza vaccine in patients with ICDs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exploratory descriptive design using a survey developed by the staff of the ICD clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot study was conducted as part of a quality initiative of ICD patients at a regional cardiac centre. These patients were approached to participate in a one-page survey assessing barriers to receipt of the influenza vaccination. Predictors of vaccination were determined using multivariate logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 229 patients who completed the survey between September 1 and November 31, 2011, 78% of the patients received the influenza vaccine. The only factor independently associated with influenza vaccination was a positive patient attitude toward the safety of influenza vaccination. Easier access to the influenza vaccination was not associated with its receipt.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A positive patient attitude toward the influenza vaccine is associated with its use. ICD clinic practitioners may have an opportunity to explore any misconceptions toward the influenza vaccine at each clinic visit in hope of increasing its receipt. Given the importance of this vaccination, future studies are recommended.
authors.forename: Suzette
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: Russell J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.forename: Ramanan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kumareswaran
authors.forename: Sheldon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines