Implementation of an Inpatient Coronavirus Vaccination Campaign

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: The vaccination rates of patients hospitalized at an urban academic medical center is lower than the state rate. Less than 60% of patients admitted to this medical center are fully vaccinated for coronavirus. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase vaccinations prior to discharge. Methods: The project occurred over a 14-week period in a 24-bed trauma intensive care unit (ICU). Interventions included implementation of the 4 Pillars TM Toolkit, adding vaccination status to the provider handoff, and facilitation of an electronic medical record pop-up for vaccination status. Education for nurses and providers on vaccination query, reconciliation, and administration was provided. Data collection was performed weekly through chart audits to measure outcomes including 100% adherence of vaccination query and reconciliation, offering COVID vaccine or booster to eligible patients, and that 100% of eligible patients received the COVID vaccine/booster prior to discharge. Results: Pre and post surveys were administered assessing the effectiveness of education. The pretest was completed by 29 staff, 17 completed the posttest. The provider education rate was 100%, and 65% of the nurse’s received education. Post survey data shows an increased knowledge base in vaccine query, reconciliation, and availability. Data was collected on 158 patients; vaccination query rate was 78% and reconciliation rate was 82% overall. Of those who received a vaccination: first dose 5% (n=7), second dose 1% (n=2), first booster 9%, (n=14), second booster 4%, (n=6), none 82%, (n=129). Conclusion: Vaccine reconciliation and query completion increased, vaccination of eligible patients remains low and below the pre-determined goal. Findings suggest that additional education regarding vaccine eligibility is needed. Education needs to be disseminated beyond the ICU to capture patients who have been downgraded and are closer to discharge