Implementing a province-wide mandatory vaccinate-or-mask policy at healthcare facilities in British Columbia, Canada.
Vaccine
; 36(3): 395-399, 2018 01 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29223487
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
In 2012, British Columbia (BC) became the first Canadian province to implement an influenza prevention policy requiring healthcare workers (HCW) to either be vaccinated annually against influenza or wear a mask in patient care areas during the influenza season. This study describes an evaluation of influenza policy implementation processes and identifies supports and challenges related to successful policy implementation at the level of healthcare facilities, during the second policy year (2013/14).METHODS:
Implementation leaders from 262 long-term care (LTC) and acute care facilities, mostly in three of BC's five regional Health Authorities, were invited to participate in an online survey following the 2013/14 influenza season. Descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses identified common and effective strategies for improving vaccination coverage and policy compliance.RESULTS:
A total of 127 respondents completed the survey on behalf of 33 acute care and 99 LTC facilities, representing 36% of acute care and 27% of LTC facilities in BC. Respondents agreed that the policy was successfully implemented at 89% of facilities, and implementation was reported to be easy at 52% of facilities. The findings elaborate on communication and leadership strategies, campaign logistics and enforcement approaches involved in policy implementation.CONCLUSION:
Implementation of a vaccinate-or-mask influenza policy is complex. This study provides insight for other jurisdictions considering implementing such a policy and offers practical recommendations for facilities and health authorities.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Vacunas contra la Influenza
/
Infección Hospitalaria
/
Política Organizacional
/
Control de Infecciones
/
Gripe Humana
/
Instituciones de Salud
/
Máscaras
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Vaccine
Año:
2018
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá