Nursing Interventions Increase Influenza Vaccination Quality Measures for Home Telehealth Patients.

BACKGROUND

Influenza vaccinations are a preventive health quality measure. Home telehealth nursing staff interventions can reduce influenza disease burden and complications.

PURPOSE

To improve seasonal flu vaccine rates using novel home telehealth clinical and technology interventions.

METHODS

A pre- and postintervention concurrent cohort study for 513 outpatients was conducted. Interventions included automated 2-way patient messaging using remote monitoring equipment, a new note template to record vaccination status in the electronic health record, and flu vaccine patient education.

RESULTS

Interventions resulted in vaccination rates of 70.4% for Veterans ages 19 to 65 years, and 81.7% for Veterans 66 years and older, exceeding national, regional, and local Veterans Administration targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-way messaging and standardized documentation increased rates. Declinations persisted despite education. Reasons included fear of side effects, and rarely leaving home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing interventions can increase influenza vaccination quality measures for primary care home telehealth patients.