Could university training and a proactive attitude of coworkers be associated with influenza vaccination compliance? A multicentre survey among Italian medical residents

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, vaccination coverage rates among health care workers and among medical residents appear generally low. Several investigations have been performed worldwide to analyze the healthcare workers’ educational deficiencies.This multicentre survey aimed to investigate at a nationwide level training quality and work environment associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among Italian medical residents.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out from April 2012 to June 2012 on medical residents regularly attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities via an anonymous, self administered, web-based questionnaire. Data have been analyzed by using the R statistical software package.ResultsA total of 2506 out of 10,854 medical residents (23.1 %) have been recruited. The quality of training on influenza and influenza vaccination was reported as “fair” or “poor” during both pre-graduate (40.7 % of respondents) and post-graduate medical school (59.6 % of respondents).Vaccination uptake was associated with adherence to seasonal 2011/2012 influenza vaccination of medical school tutors (adjusted OR = 4.4; 95 % CI = 1.35–14.26) and other medical residents (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95 % CI = 1.14–4.23).Moreover, influenza vaccination uptake was also associated with correct knowledge about the virus composition of 2011/2012 influenza vaccine (adjusted OR = 2.43; 95 % CI = 1.64–2.58) and consultation of scientific sources or Institutional recommendations on influenza vaccination (adjusted OR = 6.96; 95 % CI = 3.38–214.36).ConclusionsMedical residency represents an opportunity to implement educational and training interventions aiming to promote appropriate professional behaviors and skills. Our study suggest that appropriate training, adequate education and proactive coworkers feelings can improve influenza vaccination attitudes towards young doctor.

Impact assessment of an educational course on vaccinations in a population of medical students

“…Thus, the achievement of considerable awareness and knowledge about vaccination among medical students would contribute to the accomplishment of high vaccine coverage among healthcare workers in the future [18]. Moreover, future healthcare providers should be equipped with not just the knowledge but also the skills to counsel patients regarding the importance of vaccination [18, 19]. …”

“…An extracurricular seminar about vaccines, provided in the second half of the course of study, can have a highly positive impact on integrating knowledge and attitudes regarding vaccinations. Medical students are one of the most important target for educational campaigns as they are still in their training period and are open to changing their habits [19]. An appropriate development of technical and cultural skills for next generation of medical doctors is of paramount importance to spread positive vaccination attitudes, also among general population.…”

Medical students' attitude toward influenza vaccination: Results of a survey in the University of Bari (Italy)

“…Some evidence seems to suggest that appropriate university education can improve vaccination acceptance and that is why students are a key-figure to increase vaccination coverage. 28 To study determinants of vaccination compliance, we conducted a survey among medical and paramedical students at the University of Bari, where influenza vaccination has been offered actively and for free since 2013.…”

Communication about vaccination: A shared responsibility

“…The ethical duty of the physician to vaccinate himself to protect his contacts must be the subject of all the types and levels of training to be continued, after the degree, in the post-graduate and general practitioner courses and be also included among the objectives of continuing education for the whole sanitary area 21,26 . Training should be also offered on the field, in the vaccination and pediatric or general medicine services, for all the residents in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, medical trainees of General Medicine, students of the courses of degree in sanitary assistance.…”