Provider-staff discrepancies in reported immunization knowledge and practices.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare immunization-relevant knowledge, certainty about knowledge, self-efficacy, vested interest, and reported practices of providers and clinical staff in the same clinics. METHODS: A valid and reliable instrument measuring the aforementioned issues was developed and administered to a sample of 50 providers and 60 members of the clinical staff. RESULTS: Providers were significantly more knowledgeable than staff (P < 0.001); however, they were not more certain about their knowledge (P = 0.52) nor were they more confident in their capability to properly immunize all children in their practice (P = 0.10). Providers reported lower vested interest in immunizations than clinical staff (P < 0.05). Both groups were equally likely to immunize a child with a cold. Providers were less likely to defer needed immunizations for a 15-month-old child, and they were more likely to administer multiple injections to an 18-month-old (both P < 0.05). Providers were more likely than staff to immunize during acute and chronic illness visits (both P < 0.001), and both groups were equally likely to immunize during preventive visits. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies in reported immunization practices between providers and staff may be a barrier to full immunization.