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Biomedical subjects

Helen Petousis-Harris

Publications and source records attributed to Helen Petousis-Harris.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

The New Zealand national immunisation hotline--what are callers seeking?

This study aimed to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of anonymous data from an immunisation hotline call centre over equal periods in 1999 and 2003. Transcripts for all telephone calls in two periods were analysed using thematic and descriptive statistical analyses and significance testing of comparisons made between data from the two periods. Caller numbers increased from 1010 in 1999 to 3413 in 2003. There was a significant increase in service utilisation by both the public (mostly parents) and health professionals, especially by general practice nurses. The nature of the enquiries shifted according to schedule changes and media stories. Findings are discussed in the context of prominent issues at that time, and suggestions are made for improving communication to meet the needs of both the public and health professionals.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2005

Follow-up of MMR vaccination status in children referred to a pediatric immunization clinic on account of egg allergy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine timeliness and completeness of MMR immunization uptake and general immunization status of egg-allergic children referred to hospital for MMR vaccine who were referred back to their primary care providers with explanatory information that community-based vaccination is safe in these children. METHOD: Referred children's immunization status obtained from referring practices. Where the practice had no record parents were contacted. Parents whose children had not received MMR were asked reasons for their choice. Timeliness of immunizations was examined for both MMR and the primary schedule. Practices referring more than one child to immunization clinic were analysed to determine whether previous letters from the immunization clinic influenced their referring practice. RESULTS: 82 children were eligible from 67 practices. MMR status was obtained for 78 (95% response rate). Of these 78, 73 (94%) received MMR vaccination with no reported adverse events: 8 (11%) on time, 54 (69%) late and 11 (14%) timeliness unknown. Five (6%) children had not received MMR vaccination. Three practices were unwilling to carry out MMR immunization of egg-allergic children, even after recommendation from the immunization clinic. Of the five parents whose children had not received MMR, two had actively decided against vaccination. DISCUSSION: 94% children received their MMR in primary care with no reported adverse effects. The current strategy utilised by the immunization clinic appears to result in MMR immunization of egg-allergic children. While the referral process may result in delayed immunizations, continued education of health professionals may improve timeliness and immunization rates.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Family practice nurse views on barriers to immunising children.

New Zealand (NZ) has low immunisation coverage for infants and children compared to many other westernised countries. Barriers to improving uptake are multifactorial, with health professional knowledge and attitudes identified as important modifiable factors. In NZ practice nurses give most childhood vaccinations in the primary health care setting. This study explored aspects of 150 family practice nurse views, knowledge and experience about immunisation. Qualitative and quantitative text data were obtained through randomised computer assisted telephone surveys and converged using a triangulated multi-method approach. Response rate was 89.3% nurses identified parents' fear as the greatest barrier to achieving better immunisation uptake and disagreed that health professional knowledge was a barrier. However, findings showed lack of knowledge among many participants, despite many feeling confident about their knowledge base. Factors associated with lower practice coverage of infants under 2 years were poorer knowledge of contraindications to vaccination and lack of completion of vaccinator training, especially an update course. A high level of confidence, more years in practice, dedicated time to follow-ups were not associated with better coverage rates. Practice nurses may be unaware that their knowledge in some areas needs improving. A trained practice nurse appears to play a significant role in overcoming fears and maintaining high coverage rates in their practice. We conclude that strategies that focus on primary health care provider support and education are more likely to gain high coverage than those that are purely directed at overcoming access barriers.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Family physician perspectives on barriers to childhood immunisation.

New Zealand (NZ) has inadequate vaccine coverage and associated disease outbreaks. International research illustrates the importance of provider behaviour in improving vaccine uptake. To understand the immunisation knowledge, views, concerns and educational needs of NZ family physicians, qualitative and quantitative national data was gathered from randomised telephone surveys. Response rate was 60% with respondents' characteristics closely matched to key demographics of NZ family physicians. The most significant barrier to improving immunisation rates identified was parental concern over vaccine safety and associated misconceptions. The second major barrier identified was lack of funding to health providers. A clear need for improvement in family physician knowledge of contraindications to vaccines was highlighted. Family physicians expressed a need for better resources to more effectively address parental fears and misconceptions. Strategies to address these issues include an increased focus on family physician educational needs, extra resources to assist with more effective communication to parents and a review of the present funding of providers for immunisation services.

Child↗