A group-randomized evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to improve influenza vaccination rates in dialysis centers.

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk of complications from influenza, but many dialysis centers report <50% influenza immunization coverage.

Study Design: A group-randomized evaluation of a multicomponent intervention to increase influenza vaccination rates in poorly performing dialysis centers in ESRD Networks 6, 11, and 15.

Setting & Participants: Facilities with the lowest immunization percentages in 2006-2007 were selected from each network and randomly assigned to a standard (n = 39) or intensive intervention (n = 38).

Intervention: Standard intervention included a feedback report with comparison to other centers in their network and educational materials for staff and patients. Intensive-intervention centers also received 3 educational seminars, assistance with and review of center-specific action plans, and monthly monitoring of vaccination plan and rates.

Outcomes: Change in vaccination rate in following year.

Measurements: Dialysis center records of patient vaccination status.

Results: There was an 8.9% (P = 0.04) adjusted mean absolute difference in improvement between intensive- and standard-intervention centers.

Limitations: Some vaccinations were self-reported by patients. The vaccination data form does not have an option for patient data unavailable, which may have caused patients without data to be coded as unvaccinated.

Conclusions: Multicomponent interventions may serve as a successful strategy to increase influenza vaccination rates at poorly performing centers, with a benefit beyond that provided by usual oversight and support.