NEW RESEARCH CONFIRMS: Flu vaccination rates have surged by 28% when patients receive text reminders alongside pre-approved orders from their primary care providers, according to a groundbreaking study from the Perelman School of Medicine. This urgent finding, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, highlights a critical strategy as the flu season escalates, with hospitalizations soaring.
The study’s lead author, Shivan Mehta, MD, emphasizes the significance of these results amid rising vaccine hesitancy. “This is important given the rise in vaccine hesitancy, which has resulted in a downward trend in flu vaccination that coincided with a high rate of hospitalization this flu season,” Mehta stated.
The research involved over 52,000 patients across the University of Pennsylvania Health System and University of Washington Health System (UW Medicine). Patients who received automated flu shot reminders and had an order waiting for approval were notably more likely to get vaccinated. The study aimed to address both patient and clinician engagement, an approach that has previously shown limited effectiveness when targeting only one side.
In a critical comparison, researchers found that nearly 3,000 additional individuals received flu vaccinations when nudges were implemented, signifying a substantial impact on public health during a season marked by high hospitalization rates, which have affected up to 710,000 people annually since 2010.
The nudging strategy involved sending personalized reminder texts, automated voice messages, and monthly updates to providers, comparing their vaccination rates with peers. This multi-faceted approach fostered communication and trust between clinicians and patients, crucial for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
Co-senior author, Amol Navathe, MD, Ph.D., noted the importance of these interactions: “We think the automatic order encouraged primary care physicians to have a conversation with their patients, and we know these clinicians still have a lot of trust from their communities.”
The team is now replicating their findings at Lancaster General Health within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, targeting a different demographic to further validate their results. They continue to analyze the data, which could lead to broader applications of this successful nudging approach.
As health systems look for effective ways to increase vaccination rates, this research offers a promising pathway. “Future interventions could be more successful by complementing the automated communication with clinical staff to engage with patients that are still hesitant,” Mehta added, suggesting integration with other preventive health measures.
With flu season in full swing, this study underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to enhance vaccination rates and protect public health. Stay tuned for further updates as the research team rolls out their findings across diverse healthcare settings.
