The role of health determinants in the influenza vaccination uptake among older adults (65+): a scope review.

BACKGROUND: Although the burden of influenza infection is the highest in older adults, vaccination coverage remains low, despite this age group being more vulnerable than others. AIMS: Given the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, it was the aim of this scope review to update knowledge on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among older adults to strengthen prevention approaches in the context of an overall burden of infectious diseases. METHODS: We searched bibliographic databases from 2012 to 2019. All studies reviewed one or more social determinant of health listed by WHO, or factors affecting the decision-making process whether to accept influenza vaccine or not. RESULTS: Overall, 44 studies were included, 41 determinants were extracted and summarized into six categories. Older age and constitutional factors including multiple chronic diseases as well as preventive lifestyle and frequent routine healthcare utilization positively affected vaccination uptake (VU). Living and working conditions are also researched determinants of influenza vaccine uptake. A small number of studies explored the role of social inclusion and system-based interventions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This scope review provides a comprehensive overview on factors affecting seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among older citizens. The review also clearly shows gaps for evidence on system-based level or political strategies to improve vaccination uptake.

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) for long-distance education in geriatric medicine across Europe : A pilot project launched by the consortium of the project "Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease among Older People": SCOPE project.

PURPOSE: To cover the increasing need for professional knowledge, skills and competences in the care of older people, new learning techniques have been developed. Using the Internet to provide educational material has come into focus of many academic institutions as the learning content can easily be transferred to a larger audience. Since the first launch of a "massive open online course" (MOOC) in 2008, this educational format has raised increasing interest among education experts. The current publication provides insight into the new format of MOOCs in general and specifically describes a MOOC developed by a Pan-European Consortium "Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) among Older People across Europe" (SCOPE), a project funded by the European Commission under the umbrella of the Horizon 2020 program. METHODS: Technical background, learning theories and content of the MOOC of the SCOPE project are presented in this overview. RESULTS: The MOOC of the SCOPE project is provided on the MOOC ICT platform iMoox. The courses are built up of video clips, textual descriptions, graphics, animations and audio designed with a clear structure and learning goals. The concise video clips with a maximum length of 15-20 min are equipped with additional learning material such as documents, links and asynchronous communication opportunities. CONCLUSION: MOOCs are recognized as a contemporary approach to transfer required knowledge and skills not only in general but also in geriatric medicine, as the health and social care environment is ever-changing and becoming more complex.