Researchers from the University of South Florida found
that reminders in electronic health records did not increase the rate of
initiation of the human papillomavirus vaccine series among females aged 9 to
25 years who had not yet received HPV vaccination.
Overall, 8.2% of the 61 females received the vaccination
series, which was not statistically different from the 14% population estimate.
The data were presented at the 1st National Immunization Conference Online.
An electronic reminder was posted in the records of 61
patients during a 3-month study period. The proportion of patients starting the
HPV vaccination series was compared with the population estimate.
Age and provider type were not significantly associated
with vaccination. Visit type was significantly related: 30.8% of those who had
wellness visits received the vaccine vs. 2.1% of those who had acute visits. In
addition, discussing vaccination status was also significantly related: 33.3%
of those who discussed status received the vaccine vs. 3.9% of those who did
not discuss status.
“One strategy to improve vaccination rates would be
to address status and vaccinate at all visits rather than just wellness
visits,” Elving Colon, MD, a resident in family medicine at the
University of South Florida, said during the meeting. “Electronic
reminders may still be effective tools to improve vaccination rates. Variation
in the design of decision support tools needs further study.”
For more information:
- Colon E. #30294. Presented at: 1st National Immunization Conference
Online; March 26-28, 2012.
Disclosure: Dr. Colon reports no relevant
financial disclosures.