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February 8, 2008
Targeted Quality Improvement Support – Pneumococcal and Influenza
Vaccinations for Pneumonia
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Chief Executive Officers |
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Medical Staff Directors |
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Quality Directors |
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Infection Control Professionals |
The winter season is a time which hospitals experience an increase in
pneumonia related admissions in the height of the flu season. This article (click
here to view article) examines two Pneumonia measures – Pneumococcal (PN-2)
and Influenza (PN-7) Vaccinations and shares the experiences of several Illinois
hospitals efforts to increase vaccination rates for eligible patients. This
information is important to all administrators, quality and clinical leaders and
staff and staff responsible for or involved in patient care activities.
Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccinations
Older patients are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality associated
with streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcal disease) and influenza related
pneumonia. Both Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint
Commission recommend the screening and vaccination of hospitalized patients as
it is clear from two large medical record audits of hospitalized Medicare
patients, that if vaccine is not delivered in the hospital, it is very unlikely
to be given after discharge (Houck PM, MMWR; Bratzler DW, Arch Intern Med).
In October 2002, CMS published an interim final rule (8) that removes
the physician signature requirement for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations
from the Conditions of Participation for Medicare and Medicaid participating
hospitals. Currently, a proposed change to administrative code is being
considered by the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) on
February 14th that will allow for the administration of these
vaccines per medical staff approved hospital policy after an assessment for
contraindications. IHA is supportive of this new rule.
Hospitals are encouraged to provide us feedback on this series as well as
contact us to share their success stories and improvement efforts. The articles
from this series are available by clicking here. For
additional information please contact Tim Philipp at
tphilipp@ihastaff.org.
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