Evaluating pilot implementation of ‘PenCS Flu Topbar’ app in medical
practices to improve National Immunisation Program funded season
influenza vaccination in Central Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Background: The ‘PenCS Flu Topbar’ app was deployed in Central
Queensland (CQ), Australia medical practices through a pilot program in
March 2021. Methods: We evaluated the app’s user experience and examined
whether the introduction of ‘PenCS Flu Topbar’ in medical practices
could improve the coverage of NIP funded influenza vaccinations. We
conducted a mixed-method study including a qualitative analysis of
in-depth interviews with key end-users, and a quantitative analysis of
influenza vaccine administrative data. Results: ‘PenCS Flu Topbar’ app
users reported positive experiences identifying patients eligible for
NIP-funded season influenza vaccination. A total of 3,606 NIP funded
influenza vaccinations were administered in the eight intervention
practices, 14% higher than the eight control practices. NIP-funded
vaccination coverage within practices was significantly higher in
intervention practices (31.2%) than the control practices (27.3%)
(absolute difference: 3.9%; 95%CI: 2.9%-5.0%; P<0.0001).
The coverage was substantially higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people aged more than 6 months, pregnant women and children
aged 6 months to less than 5 years for the practices where the app was
introduced when compared to control practices; Incidence Rate Ration
(IRR) 2.4 (95%CI: 1.8-3.2), IRR 2.7 (95%CI: 1.8-4.2) and IRR 2.3
(1.8-2.9) times higher, respectively. Conclusions: Our evaluation
indicated that the ‘PenCS Flu Topbar’ app is uuseful for identifying the
patients eligible for NIP-funded influenza vaccination and is likely to
increase NIP-funded influenza vaccine coverage in the eligible
populations. Future impact evaluation including a greater number of
practices and a wider geographical area is essential.