Improving Immunization Rates

Norwegian American Hospital, Chicago, improved both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates by 73 and 32 percent, respectively, achieving care that is patient centered.

Lower than expected influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates got health providers at Norwegian American Hospital, Chicago, thinking of ways to increase the rates and improve the health of community members. After reviewing the current process, the multidisciplinary team representing nursing, pharmacy and informatics applied plan-do-study-act and made several key changes to the hospitals HIT system. Another key strategy included advancing patient education on adult vaccinations where clinical pharmacists play a large role helping to address the needs of the hospital's undeserved patient population.

One year later, the hospital's community observed a 73 percent increase in influenza vaccination rates for influenza and a 32 percent increase in the pneumococcal vaccination rate. Read the whole case study below (click 'view item').

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)