InFLUencing low vaccine uptake- A quality improvement approach A self-audit tool was developed (Appendix 1) based on the literature (11) InFLUencing low vaccine uptake- A quality improvement approach Dr. Frances Notman1, Liz McGovern1, Dr. Jim McMenamin2, Syed Ahmed2, Dr. David Cromie3, Jennifer Reid4 1Public Health pharmacy PPSU GGC, 2Health protection Scotland, 3Lanarkshire Health Board, 4Public Health Protection Unit, Results Response to audit Most common areas of non-compliance with the audit criteria Comparison of flu immunisation uptake for the study cohort and the rest of GGC for 2016 and 2017 flu seasons The differences in flu immunisation uptake between the 2016 and 2017 flu seasons was calculated for each practice in the cohort and the control. An independent Sample t-test indicated no significant difference in the mean difference in uptake between 2016 and 2017 flu seasons for the cohort and the control (P=0.373, 95% CI)  INTRODUCTION Flu is a serious illness killing between 8 and 44 per 100,000 of the population annually, increasing hospital admissions, prolonging treatment and work absenteeism1 Flu immunisation is the most effective method of prevention Uptake varies considerably amongst GP practices. By adopting a quality improvement approach GP practices might improve flu immunisation uptake in their at risk patients to provide improved cost effective care. 75.4% (n=57) practices invited completed the self-audit AIM To evaluate the effect of a GP practice self-audit tool and feedback report on flu vaccine uptake in the at risk groups under age 65 (Under65@risk). More than 75% participant practices did not collaborate with community midwives or pharmacists Method Self audit tool developed based on the literature2 comprised of closed-ended questions four sections: personnel; documentation; invitation and recall; and administering the vaccine Feedback Report based on responses to each of the questions in the audit contained recommendations for the practice to implement in the current flu season Identify and invite GP practices (lowest 25th percentile for flu vaccine uptake in Under65@risk for 16/17 flu season) Send self-audit for completion (x2 reminders) Generate feedback report Encourage sharing of report internally and externally Report to community pharmacy Nov 17 Survey views of self-audit and feedback report January 18 Conduct interviews- March 18 Compare vaccine uptake Intervention with rest of GGC To March 2018 there was a 2.9% increase in flu immunisation uptake between 2016 and 2017 flu seasons. However, for the remaining GGC practices there was a 0.9% decrease in flu immunisation uptake for the same time period.  Conclusion The participation rate was good and although the intervention appeared to influence uptake of flu vaccine the difference between the two seasons was not significant. There were also external factors (i.e. Media coverage of the ‘bad flu season and bad press about the effectiveness of the vaccine which may have influenced patients choices to access the flu vaccine. References The Scottish Government. Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccination programme 2017-18, SGHD/CMO(2017) 11. Available at http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/media/4001928/Seasonal%20Influenza%20(Flu)%20Vaccination%20Programme%202017%2018%20issued%203%20August%202017%20SGHDCMO(2017)11.pdf. Accessed Jan 2018 University of Sheffield. Increasing influenza immunisation: Understanding seasonal influenza vaccination practice in primary care and identifying the correlates of higher influenza rates. Available at www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs\1.180289!/file/III-FullReport.pdf. Accessed Jan 2018   Acknowledgements This project was funded by a research grant from Health Improvement Scotland iHUB The authors would also like to acknowledge the support of the steering group committee members