Knowledge about vaccines and vaccination in older people: Results of a national survey by the Italian Society for Gerontology &amp; Geriatrics

Ecarnot, Fiona; Cesari, Matteo; Maggi, Stefania; Incalzi, Raffaele Antonelli

doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.065

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 29 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…Finally, despite the reported rate of influenza vaccination among HF patients ranges from 16 to 54% [17], and a recent survey reported a poor awareness of the importance and of the indications of vaccinations in a sample of Italian physicians [18], in our study, performed in a similar sample, we found that more than 90% of the participants of the present survey (96% of the specialists) well knows the indication for influenza vaccination.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 84%

Management of heart failure: an Italian national survey on fellows/specialists in geriatrics

et al. 2020

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Background Heart failure (HF) is often managed by geriatricians. Few data are available on their knowledge and attitudes about this condition. Aims To compare perceptions and knowledge on HF of specialists/fellows in geriatrics working in Italy. Methods This nationwide survey carried out by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics in May-June 2019 enrolled 283 specialists/fellows in geriatrics in Italy. Results were stratified by qualification (specialist/fellow) and performance (lower/ higher quartile of correct answers). Results About half (55.5%) of the participants worked in acute care wards, 190 were residents, and 93 specialists. The overall proportion of correct answers was 70.8%, with no differences between specialists and fellows. There was a poor knowledge, with no differences between groups, about the target doses of ACE-inhibitors (36% of correct answers), the pharmacological treatment of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (37% of correct answers), and the inotropes indicated in acute HF (35% of correct answers). Compared to specialists, fellows performed better on indication (88% vs 76%, P = 0.019) and mechanism of action (93% vs 84%, P = 0.023) of sacubitril/valsartan, and on therapeutic indications of patients with atrial fibrillation (92% vs 75%, P < 0.001). Conclusions Globally, there was a good knowledge of the latest guidelines on the diagnosis and management of HF. However, for some important topics, such as HFpEF, that is the most common HF manifestation in older adults, the observed performance was relatively poor, indicating the need for focused educational campaigns.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 84%

Management of heart failure: an Italian national survey on fellows/specialists in geriatrics

et al. 2020

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“…In the design of the latest section, a particular interest was given to the most common types of CA, especially to the ATTRwt, the most widespread in older adults (Supplemental text 1). This kind of questionnaire proved useful to interpret current practice on the basis of individual experience and culture in previous surveys on geriatric competences among Nephrologists 10 , nephrological competences among Geriatricians 11 , vaccines and vaccination in older people 12 , and heart failure 9 . The secretary of the Society sent an email with an electronic copy of the survey to all the Italian Directors of Internship Programs in Geriatrics who were registered in the membership list of the Society, and to all the members of the National and Regional Governing Councils of the Society.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cardiac amyloidosis awareness among residents/specialists in Geriatrics: an Italian national survey

Lelli

Leosco

Incalzi

2021

JGG

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Objective. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) among older adults is less infrequent than usually considered, and often underdiagnosed. Geriatricians' awareness and knowledge of CA is unknown. Objectives of the study are to assess actual CA knowledge among residents/specialists in Geriatrics, and their usual clinical practice in managing suspected CA. Methods. In this Nation-wide survey carried out by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics in April-August 2020, we administered to residents/specialists in Geriatrics a questionnaire divided in three sections: socio-demographical, procedural and knowledge. Results were stratified by qualification (resident/specialist) and by performance (best/worst performers). Results. 289 residents and 104 specialists participated. The overall proportion of correct answers was 57.9% (58.4% residents, 56.1% specialists); knowledge about clinical (89% of correct answers, 91% residents and 84% specialists, P = 0.062), ECG (72% of correct answers, no differences between groups), and echocardiographic (86% of correct answers, no differences between groups) signs of CA was good. However, only 8% participants knew how to diagnose ATTRwt CA (no differences between groups), and 19% which diuretic is indicated in CA (22% residents, 13% specialists, P = 0.069). Only 25% of the participants knew the natural history of ATTRwt (19% residents, 41% specialists, P < 0.001), and 37% was aware of the target of the ATTR treatment. Prevalence of CA was underestimated by 57% specialists and 37% residents (P = 0.001). Conclusions. Knowledge of CA among residents/specialists in Geriatrics is uncomplete. Education campaigns on this topic are desirable, to improve physicians' awareness of CA, thus reducing the number of potential misdiagnosis/delay in correct diagnoses.

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“…A second set of obstacles to full adoption of recommended vaccination practices relate to training and information of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The level of knowledge is low among HCPs regarding the true burden of infectious diseases, and the efficacy and safety of vaccines against these illnesses [22]. The training and education of future nurses and doctors does not put sufficient emphasis on immunization, and continuing medical education activities are also insufficient.…”

Section: Available Knowledge On the Topicmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This subsequently reduces the rates of HCPs that offer vaccination to their patients. From the patient's perspective, only around one third of patients ask about vaccination spontaneously [22], reflecting low awareness among patients of their right to free immunization. Among general practitioners (GPs), many lack the time to adequately inform patients about vaccination and offer the administration of the vaccine as well.…”

Section: Available Knowledge On the Topicmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vaccines in older age: moving from current practice to optimal coverage—a multidisciplinary consensus conference

et al. 2020

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Vaccines are a key strategy to promote healthy aging, but vaccine coverage remains below target levels in at-risk adults and older individuals. We present here the results of a multidisciplinary consensus conference convened to perform a multidimensional assessment of vaccination in geriatric medicine, with a view to developing a well-defined strategy for the promotion of vaccines in older people. We discuss recommended vaccines in older individuals, and describe the wide regional heterogeneity between regions in the Italian context. The main obstacles to implementation of vaccines in practice are reviewed, as well as potential strategies to remove these barriers. Finally, the importance of including vaccines and vaccination in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education is underlined. The information summarized in this document is expected to help develop educational and promotional initiatives to achieve greater uptake of vaccines among older individuals, as a key means to promote healthy aging.

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Knowledge about vaccines and vaccination in older people: Results of a national survey by the Italian Society for Gerontology & Geriatrics

Cited by 8 publications

References 29 publications

Management of heart failure: an Italian national survey on fellows/specialists in geriatrics

Management of heart failure: an Italian national survey on fellows/specialists in geriatrics

Cardiac amyloidosis awareness among residents/specialists in Geriatrics: an Italian national survey

Vaccines in older age: moving from current practice to optimal coverage—a multidisciplinary consensus conference

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