Article
Improving knowledge on vaccine storage management in general practices: Learning effectiveness of an online-based program
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Authors
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Anika Thielmann
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland; Institute for General Practice, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Deutschland
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Marie-Therese Puth
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland; Department of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
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Birgitta Weltermann
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland; Institute for General Practice, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| Published: | September 25, 2020 |
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Outline
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Background and current state of (inter)national research: Adequate vaccine storage is a prerequisite for assuring effective vaccinations yet storage conditions in practices are frequently inadequate. The online learning program Keep Cool aims at improving knowledge on international best practices. This study evaluates the program’s learning effectiveness focusing on key indicators for knowledge on vaccine storage, such as temperature target range (2 to 8°C) and documentation requirements.
Research questions and objectives: Can an online-based program improve knowledge on vaccine storage management in general practices?
Methods or hypothesis: Participants were recruited from within a university teaching practice network. Knowledge was measured with an online-based questionnaire (11 correct items=optimal vaccine storage knowledge) which was completed before and after the online program.
Results: 60 physicians and medical assistants from 25 practices participated. The mean knowledge score was 5.6 correct answers (standard deviation [SD] 1.9), which increased to 9.8 (SD 1.2) after program participation (p<0.001). The item with the highest net change addressed the need for twice-daily documentation of temperatures (+76.7%). Knowledge of the lower and upper temperature targets improved from 58% respectively 63% to 100% each. Optimal vaccine storage knowledge after participation (38% of participants) was associated neither with age, gender, occupational group nor practice type.
Discussion: The new online education program showed a high learning effectiveness regarding key indicators for the quality of vaccine storage management.
Practical implications: The results can be extrapolated to other physicians, practices as well as other institutions who handle vaccinations.
