Evaluation of a team-based quality improvement initiative for influenza vaccination in an underserved population.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza. However, low vaccination rates continue especially in underserved populations. OBJECTIVES: To increase influenza vaccinations in an underserved population and to evaluate the impact of influenza vaccinations compared to previous year influenza vaccinations. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION Federally-Qualified Health care Center for the Homeless, Richmond, Virginia PRACTICE INNOVATION Team-based quality improvement initiative led by a pharmacist champion. EVALUATION METHODS: Before and after evaluation of the quality improvement initiative was conducted by comparing the total number of vaccines administered to those administered the previous year. RESULTS: Influenza vaccinations increased by 42% over the prior influenza vaccination season (1269 vs. 895), respectively. From a population perspective, 31% of patients received an influenza vaccine in 2019-20 and 48% in 2020-21. During the 2019-20 influenza vaccine season, the majority of patients vaccinated were female 56% versus 50.9% in 2020-21. The average age increased from 2019-20 to 2020-21, 37.62 years of age versus 42.71 years of age, respectively. CONCLUSION: A team-based quality improvement initiative was successful in improving our influenza vaccination program for adults and has served as a foundation for the delivery of other vaccines. Lessons learned were used to implement a COVID-19 vaccine program.