New research from the Perelman School of Medicine reveals an urgent breakthrough in flu vaccination efforts: patients are 28% more likely to receive their flu shots when they receive text message reminders in conjunction with pre-existing orders from their primary care providers. This pivotal study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine and highlights a critical response to rising vaccine hesitancy amid a challenging flu season.
Experts, including lead author Shivan Mehta, MD, MBA, MSHP, emphasize that this finding is vital as flu-related hospitalizations have surged, affecting up to 710,000 people annually and resulting in as many as 52,000 deaths each year in the United States.
“This is important given the rise in vaccine hesitancy,” Mehta stated, noting that traditional nudging methods aimed solely at patients have yielded limited success. The study aimed to address both sides of the healthcare equation by involving both patients and clinicians.
The research involved over 52,000 participants from the University of Pennsylvania Health System and University of Washington’s health system (UW Medicine). Eligible patients received automated reminders via text or voice recordings, alongside automatic flu shot orders awaiting clinician approval. In contrast, the control group followed standard care, which relies on clinicians to remember to offer the vaccine.
Remarkably, researchers discovered that the nudging strategy led to nearly 3,000 additional vaccinations compared to what would have occurred under normal care protocols. This significant increase underscores the effectiveness of communication and trust in healthcare settings.
Co-senior author Amol Navathe, MD, Ph.D., highlighted that the automatic order system fosters meaningful conversations between primary care physicians and patients. “We know these clinicians still have a lot of trust from their communities,” he explained.
The research team is already expanding their initiatives to include Lancaster General Health within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, targeting a diverse patient population beyond the study’s original Philadelphia and Seattle samples. They are currently analyzing results from this replication to assess broader applicability.
This innovative approach utilizes existing electronic health record technologies without requiring extra staffing, making it an attractive model for health systems seeking to enhance their vaccination efforts. Looking forward, Mehta suggests that integrating automated communications with direct engagement from clinical staff could further assist hesitant patients.
As flu season progresses, these findings offer a beacon of hope for increasing vaccination rates. The implications of this study could reshape how health systems approach flu vaccinations and bolster public health initiatives amid rising hesitancy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as health experts continue to explore effective strategies to combat the flu.
