Helen Skirrow1, Charlotte Flynn2, Abigail Heller2, Catherine Heffernan3,4, Sandra Mounier-Jack4, Tracey Chantler4. 1. Department Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK h.skirrow@ic.ac.uk. 2. NHS England/Improvement (London Region), London, UK. 3. Public Health England based at NHS England/Improvement (London Region), London, UK. 4. Department of Global Health & Development, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: General Practices in England have continued to care for patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic by instigating major changes to service delivery. Immunisations have continued, though the number of vaccines delivered initially dropped in April 2020. AIM: Evaluate how Covid-19 impacted the delivery of immunisations in London and identify innovative practices to inform future delivery, including for Covid-19 vaccines. DESIGN & SETTING: A mixed-methods study of immunisation delivery in London. METHOD: An online survey of London General Practices was undertaken in May 2020 to produce a descriptive analysis of childhood immunisation delivery and identify innovative delivery models. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020 to explore innovative immunisation models which were analysed thematically. RESULTS: 68% (n=830) of London practices completed the survey and 97% reported having continued childhood immunisation delivery. Common delivery adaptations included spaced-out appointments, calling parents beforehand and having only one parent attend. Forty-three practices were identified as having innovative models such as delivering immunisations outside practice buildings or offering drive-through services. The thematic analysis of fourteen semi-structured interviews found that, alongside adaptations to immunisation delivery within practices, existing local networks collaborated to establish new immunisation delivery models. Local population characteristics affected delivery and provide insights for large-scale vaccine deployment. CONCLUSION: Immunisations continued during 2020 with practices adapting existing services. New delivery models were developed by building on existing local knowledge, experiences and networks. Immunisation delivery during the pandemic, including for Covid-19 vaccines, should be tailored to local population needs by building on primary care immunisation expertise.
BACKGROUND: General Practices in England have continued to care for patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic by instigating major changes to service delivery. Immunisations have continued, though the number of vaccines delivered initially dropped in April 2020. AIM: Evaluate how Covid-19 impacted the delivery of immunisations in London and identify innovative practices to inform future delivery, including for Covid-19 vaccines. DESIGN & SETTING: A mixed-methods study of immunisation delivery in London. METHOD: An online survey of London General Practices was undertaken in May 2020 to produce a descriptive analysis of childhood immunisation delivery and identify innovative delivery models. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020 to explore innovative immunisation models which were analysed thematically. RESULTS: 68% (n=830) of London practices completed the survey and 97% reported having continued childhood immunisation delivery. Common delivery adaptations included spaced-out appointments, calling parents beforehand and having only one parent attend. Forty-three practices were identified as having innovative models such as delivering immunisations outside practice buildings or offering drive-through services. The thematic analysis of fourteen semi-structured interviews found that, alongside adaptations to immunisation delivery within practices, existing local networks collaborated to establish new immunisation delivery models. Local population characteristics affected delivery and provide insights for large-scale vaccine deployment. CONCLUSION: Immunisations continued during 2020 with practices adapting existing services. New delivery models were developed by building on existing local knowledge, experiences and networks. Immunisation delivery during the pandemic, including for Covid-19 vaccines, should be tailored to local population needs by building on primary care immunisation expertise.
Authors: Deborah Gurgel Smith; John Anthony Vanchiere; Michelle Raley; Andrew David Yurochko; Mohammad Alfrad Nobel Bhuiyan; Kevin Sean Murnane; Rona Scott; Jeremy Kamil; Jill Rush-Kolodzey; Martha Whyte; Kenneth Densmore; Maarten Van Diest; Christopher Kevil Journal: J La Public Health Assoc Date: 2022-05-30
Authors: Kristoffer Halvorsrud; Jenny Shand; Leonora G Weil; Andrew Hutchings; Ana Zuriaga; Dane Satterthwaite; Jennifer L Y Yip; Cyril Eshareturi; Julie Billett; Ann Hepworth; Rakesh Dodhia; Ellen C Schwartz; Rachel Penniston; Emma Mordaunt; Sophie Bulmer; Helen Barratt; John Illingworth; Joanna Inskip; Fran Bury; Deborah Jenkins; Sandra Mounier-Jack; Rosalind Raine Journal: J Public Health (Oxf) Date: 2022-04-04 Impact factor: 2.341