2008 Ontario Influenza Immunization Program for Primary Care Providers

Improving flu vaccine uptake across the province by helping providers incorporate knowledge into practice.

CEP spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy and educational program to help primary care providers effectively deal with current issues and barriers regarding the delivery of flu vaccines in Ontario. All family physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists in Ontario received a hard copy of a toolkit designed to help incorporate knowledge into practice and to prepare patients to take an active role in the immunization decision-making process.

Partners

•	Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario www.npao.org
•	Ontario College of Family Physicians www.ocfp.on.ca
•	Ontario Pharmacists’ Association www.opatoday.com

Client/Funder

•	Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Communications and Information Branch www.health.gov.on.ca

Description

In fall 2008, CEP developed and implemented a communication strategy for primary care providers across Ontario to support the provincial flu shot program. Elements of this program included:

Fostering partnerships with primary care organizations (OCFP, OPA, NPAO)
With creative experts, design and test clinical tool kit, information package and program introduction
Direct mailing to over 22,000 primary care providers (MDs, Pharmacists, NPs)
Engagement of a physician champion network, POCKET (196 members)
Electronic dissemination of all materials through existing provider networks and websites
Engagement of Ontario university medical schools' continuing education departments for dissemination and reinforcement
Supporting articles and ads in relevant professional publications (Medical Post, Ontario Medical Review, Canadian Healthcare Manager, etc.)
Online accredited workshops to support interested providers to better understand flu vaccinations and this program
Dissemination of materials at various provincial conferences
Evaluation through rigorous qualitative research methodologies (surveys, interviews, etc.)
Monitoring online behaviour (click throughs, unique visitors, etc.).

Tools

Quick Reference Guide for healthcare professionals

References for evidence cited in the Quick Reference Guide and fold-out brochure

Medical Post article on Ontario's Influenza Immunization Program written by Dr. Bruce Kwok, September 26, 2008.

Canadian Healthcare Manager article on the Influenza Immunization Toolkit, October 2008.

Learn More About this Project