Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan TC(1), Lee WSB(1), Wong LY(1), Tse NL(1), Tam PY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Princess Margaret Hospital, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Introduction :
About 17.2% hospitalized children with symptoms of fever and URTI had contracted Influenza virus, yet the local Flu vaccination rate was far from the desired rate (70%) (Cowling, et al., 2023). In Oct 2023, an evidence-based nursing practice project was conducted to enhance Flu Vaccination rate of hospitalized Paediatric patients using nurse-led carers’ empowerment approach.
Objectives :
1. To empower carers of Paediatric in-patients by enhancing Flu knowledge and confidence of carers in letting their children to have Flu vaccination. 2. To boost up Flu vaccination rate.
Methodology :
A “Pre-test” vs. “Post-test” design was adopted. A quality improvement project using evidence-based strategies was piloted in one General Paediatric ward. Intervention included a nurse-led assessment and education. A pre- and post-survey on carers’ knowledge assessment of seasonal influenza (concerns on age and season of vaccination, common side effects etc.) and self-rating knowledge and confidence level to have Flu vaccination (10-points Likert scale) was designed. Workflow of Nurse-led Influenza Vaccination screening and education was developed. In-patients aged 6 months to < 12 years who had not received Flu vaccination in the past one year were recruited in Oct 2024. Patients with emotional and social problems were excluded. Post-survey was conducted right after the education. Phone follow up on Flu vaccination was conducted 2 to 3 months after discharge of patients.
Result & Outcome :
In Sep 2024, the project was introduced to 22 nurses and medical team. In Oct 2024, total 20 nos. of Paediatric in-patients were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data showed that Group one: 7 nos. (35%) had never received Flu vaccination and Group two: 13 nos. (65%) had not received vaccination within one year. Post carers’ knowledge assessment showed increase correctness by 32.5% from 35% to 67.5%. The mean score of carers’ self-rating on knowledge level and confidence to have Flu vaccination has increased from 5.67 to 7.8 and 2.7 to 7.5 respectively. Post-discharge phone follow-up demonstrated that 11 children (Group 1: 3 nos, Group 2: 8 nos.) have received Flu vaccination and 6 children (Group 1: 2 nos., Group 2: 4 nos.) were awaiting vaccination after recovering from existing illness. In conclusion, nurse-led carers’ empowerment approach is an effective way to boost up Flu vaccination rate by enhancing carers’ knowledge and confidence to have Flu vaccination.
