Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

9-18-2023

Graduate Advisor

Vanessa Loyd

Committee

Roxanne Reid

Sabita Silwal

Abstract

Problem: Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are at risk for exacerbations due to pneumonia which could lead to unwanted outcomes. Despite the existence of evidence regarding phone call reminder usage as a communication strategy about vaccinations as an effective preventive measure that can minimize the likelihood of contracting pneumonia. In a primary care facility in Kentucky, phone call reminders are not being used to promote vaccinations.

Method: This quality improvement (QI) pilot project used a descriptive, comparative, and retrospective design with the aim to increase the pneumococcal vaccination rate by 10% over 3 months by implementing a phone call reminder protocol. A convenience sample of COPD patients aged 65 years and older with follow-up appointments within three months (March-June 2023), who had not received a pneumococcal vaccination was part of the phone call reminder implementation. The IOWA Model of Evidence-Based Practice guided this project. Data was collected using Excel and SPSS for descriptive analysis.

Results: In the pre implementation phase (November 2022-January 2023) there were (N=17) patients with (n=9; 52.9%) vaccinated who didn’t have a phone call reminder. In the post implementation phase (March-June 2023) there were (N=21; 100%) patients vaccinated who had a phone call reminder. This resulted in a 47.1% increase in vaccination rates, exceeding the initial 10% target increase. The results indicated phone call reminders could improve pneumococcal vaccination rates among adult COPD patients.

Implication for Practice: Phone call reminders as a communication strategy to promote vaccinations among adult COPD patients could be beneficial and be used to increase other vaccination rates.

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