Abstract: FR-PO039
Implementing a Supportive Information System for the Vaccination Program of CKD Patients: Project from the Regional Nephrology Program, Military Hospitals, Taif Region, Saudi Arabia
Session Information
- AI, Digital Health, Data Science - II
November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Augmented Intelligence, Digital Health, and Data Science
- 300 Augmented Intelligence, Digital Health, and Data Science
Authors
- AlMalki, Najlaa, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Abidi, Hichem, Al Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Background
Vaccination rates remain particularly low in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, with diminished immune responsiveness due to delayed vaccination. Based on an in-depth review of vaccination-related processes, this project aimed at ensuring CKD patients timely receive all recommended vaccines, while boosting vaccination culture among healthcare providers, and implementing information system support for smoothly shared documentation through the continuum of care.
Methods
An in-depth review of national and international guidelines related to the vaccination of CKD patients was undertaken. Existing local policies were reviewed in comparison. Additionally, real-life practices were scrutinized to understand the level of adherence to policies, physicians’ vaccination culture, prescription and administration of vaccine processes, and the information systems that underlay them.
Results
Standardizing and centralizing electronic vaccine prescription and documentation was one of the specific objectives of the project. Different, non-linked supports -electronic and paper- were used in the different nephrology units, which resulted in siloed in-unit data, that was impossible to be shared instantly or consulted remotely. The absence of a defined process in the clinics hindered vaccine prescribing for outpatients.
Prescribing was standardized by adding vaccines to the regular medication form on the electronic medical record (EMR). To standardize documentation, the EMR native pediatric vaccination form was upgraded to hold adult vaccines. A reminder -that would pop up whenever the EMR is opened- was added to the system to help staff carry out planned vaccination.
The preventive medicine (PM) vaccination clinic was linked to the information system to support the vaccination of nephrology outpatients. The clinic was mapped with an individual code, allowing for referral and booking, and for full access of the PM nurses to the prescription information and to the newly created vaccination form for documentation.
Conclusion
A coherent information system, that allows for readily available and smoothly shared information, is an essential component to support the development of a comprehensive vaccination program for chronic kidney disease patients through their continuum of care.