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A target-based model for increasing influenza immunizations in private practice

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Abstract

Objective:To measure the impact of a population-based tracking system on influenza immunization rates.

Design:Thirteen practices with 45 physicians were randomized to a control and two intervention groups.

Setting:Private practices.

Patients:All patients aged 65 years and over who were seen in participating physicians’practices within the preceding two years.

Intervention:In both intervention groups influenza immunization rates for physicians were recorded weekly as cumulative percentages of their target populations, using a specially prepared poster. In addition, postcard reminders were sent to all the patients in one of the intervention groups.

Measurements and main results:Immunization rates in the two intervention groups were 30% higher than in the control group; the control group immunized 50% (2,405/4,772) of its target population, while the poster and poster/postcard groups immunized 66% (1,420/2,149) and 67% (2,427/3,604), respectively.

Conclusion:A population-based strategy that monitors performance can significantly improve rates of influenza immunization in private practices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Genesee Hospital, 224 Alexander Street, 14607, Rochester, NY

    F. Marc LaForce MD

Authors
  1. Joanna Buffington MD
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  2. Karen M. Bell MD
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  3. F. Marc LaForce MD
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The Genesee Hospital Medical Staff

Additional information

Received from the Department of Medicine, The Genesee Hospital, the Monroe County Health Department, and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York. Dr. Buffington was a clinical fellow in epidemiology at The Genesee Hospital and is currently an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Bell is Deputy Director of the Monroe County Health Department and Clinical Assistant Professor of Community and Preventive Medicine. Dr. LaForce is Physician-in-Chief, The Genesee Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.

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Buffington, J., Bell, K.M., LaForce, F.M. et al. A target-based model for increasing influenza immunizations in private practice. J Gen Intern Med 6, 204–209 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02598961

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