A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase and Sustain Influenza Vaccination Rates in Pediatric Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Patients.

introductionInfluenza vaccination of pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant (SCT) patients is crucial due to high risk of complications. Achieving high vaccination rates to prevent illness is often limited by competing demands and intensive treatment. A quality improvement (QI) initiative beginning influenza season 2012-2013 aimed to achieve and sustain high vaccination rates in active patients > 6 months of age, receiving cancer therapy or SCT within 6 months before or at any time during the season, and > 100 days after allogeneic SCT.

methodsWe identified key drivers and barriers to success from an initially developed vaccination process that proved to be burdensome. Change ideas were implemented through multiple tests of change during the QI initiative. Iterations within and across 4 subsequent seasons included patient identification through chemotherapy orders, provider education, incorporating vaccination into routine work-flow, continuous data analysis and feedback, and use of new reporting technology.

resultsInitial vaccination rates were < 70%, increasing to 89% after the QI initiative began and subsequently sustained between 85% and 90%. Active patients were significantly more likely to be vaccinated during the initiative (odds ratio, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.9-4.6) as compared with the first 2 seasons.

conclusionsHigh influenza vaccination rates can be achieved and maintained in a pediatric oncology/SCT population using strategies that correctly identify patients at highest risk and minimize process burden.