Improving Vaccination Documentation Rates Among Patients With Breast Cancer Through Patient Outreach

Background: Patients with cancer are at high risk for infection-related morbidity and mortality; vaccinations reduce this burden. In 2021, vaccination documentation rates were low at an academic medical center breast clinic.

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot quality improvement project was to evaluate an education intervention to increase vaccination documentation among patients with breast cancer.

Methods: During a 16-week period, the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program was implemented. The oncology nurse navigator assessed and documented vaccination history, discussed recommendations with the provider, and recommended concurrent vaccinations. Within a two-week period, the oncology nurse navigator completed and documented vaccination follow-up via telephone.

Findings: Vaccination follow-up and documentation for influenza, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines increased substantially. Findings indicate that an education and outreach program can increase vaccination documentation rates among patients with breast cancer.