Improving Vaccination Coverage for Frail Adults Using an Automated System at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a clinical pathway designed to improve vaccination rates among frail patients at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS. The study focuses on increasing immunization against pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, influenza, hepatitis B virus, and COVID-19 to reduce hospital stays, long-term complications, and deaths. This approach aligns with the National Plan for Vaccine Prevention and recent Ministry of Health guidelines from 2017 to 2023. The intervention uses an automated algorithm applied to patients electronic health records and vaccination histories to identify those eligible for vaccination. Depending on their frailty, patients will be invited for vaccination either at hospital vaccine clinics for extremely vulnerable individuals or at Local Health Unit clinics for other frail patients. The study also includes validating the algorithms agreement with clinician judgments and establishing a digital system for booking and reminding patients about vaccination appointments. Participants will be monitored up to 24 months, with assessments including vaccination rates at 6, 12, and 24 months for influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis B, herpes zoster, and pneumococcus. Researchers will evaluate the algorithms accuracy, feasibility of reaching patients, acceptability of the vaccination offer, logistical aspects of the vaccination process, and patient dropout rates. The study aims to enhance communication with patients and improve vaccination coverage through coordinated care between hospital and local services.

Caring for Frail Patients Through Vaccination