Policies, principles and pragmatism: old age psychiatrists' attitudes and practice regarding influenza immunisation for long stay patients

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the attitudes and practice of old age psychiatrists with respect to influenza immunisation for their patients in long stay care. A questionnaire was mailed out with a copy of the government immunisation policy. There was considerable disagreement among responders regarding the government policy, quality of life issues and the appropriateness of immunisation. There was a consensus in favour of immunising those who could not consent and for seeking relatives' views in this scenario. Staff immunisation status and patients' prior wishes were highlighted, amongst other factors, as affecting immunisation decisions. The government policy might be more acceptable to psychiatrists if there was more emphasis on the individual nature of clinical decisions and the policy will have to change in the light of new legislation.