Document 0644
 DOCN  M95A0644
 TI    The need for physician education regarding pediatric immunization
       practices. American Pediatric Society 104th annual meeting and Society
       for Pediatric Research 63rd annual meeting; 1994 May 2-5; Seattle.
 DT    9510
 AU    Matson CC; Butterfoss FD; Rosenthal J; Morrow AL; Center for Pediatric
       Research, Eastern Virginia Medical School,; Children's Hospital of the
       King's Daughters, Norfolk, USA.
 SO    Pediatr AIDS HIV Infect. 1994 Oct;5(5):314 (unnumbered abstract). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/95330400
 AB    AIM: Physician practices are critical determinants of immunization rates
       of children under 2 yrs of age. The aims of this study were to examine
       physician perception of barriers to childhood immunizations and
       compliance with immunization practice standards. METHODS: From 6/93 to
       8/93, all pediatricians and family physicians providing immunizations to
       children under 2 yrs of age in a medium sized city in Virginia were
       surveyed by mailed questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed by a
       panel of local physicians and national experts based on an AAP
       instrument. Non-responders were mailed another questionnaire and
       contacted by phone if needed. RESULTS: 166 (71%) physicians responded to
       the survey. Only 24% reported using acute care visits to immunize young
       children. Given clinical scenarios, 88% deferred immunizations when a
       child was mildly ill. Less than half had a system to track immunizations
       or provide reminders to parents. Referral for immunizations was common
       if cost was a problem for parents; 85% referred uninsured children to
       public health clinics. More than 90% perceived incomplete records and
       missed patient visits to be common barriers to giving immunizations.
       There were no significant differences in reported immunization practices
       among pediatrician vs. family physicians or by year practice was begun.
       CONCLUSIONS: Reported physician immunization practices were not
       consistent with AAP and ACIP standards. These data indicate that
       education in pediatric immunization standards needs to include
       practicing physicians as well as physicians-in training. The emphasis
       should be on removing barriers to immunization, using every opportunity
       to screen and immunize children, following true contraindications and
       adopting reminder and tracking systems for immunization.
 DE    Child, Preschool  Family Practice  Human  *Immunization  Infant
       Pediatrics  *Physician's Practice Patterns  Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
       MEETING ABSTRACT  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).