2009 H1N1 Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza in SCI/D: Infection Control Strategies
Information source: Department of Veterans Affairs
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 20, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Influenza
Phase: N/A
Status: Withdrawn
Sponsored by: Department of Veterans Affairs Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Sherri L. LaVela, MPH MBA PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate specific approaches used to prevent/reduce
influenza transmission in the SCI/D System of Care in response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic,
including assessing infection control strategies used by SCI staff and guidance provided by
local infection control units. Due to the rapid spread of and uncertainties about the H1N1
virus, we will evaluate patient's beliefs, behaviors, and information seeking strategies
(e. g., social media). These findings will lend to the understanding of ways to handle
emergent issues, such as the H1N1 pandemic, in special populations.
Clinical Details
Official title: 2009 H1N1 Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza in SCI/D: Infection Control Strategies
Study design: Observational Model: Cohort, Time Perspective: Cross-Sectional
Primary outcome: Influenza vaccinationInfluenza non-vaccine infection control strategies Veterans and health care providers attitudes and beliefs about H1N1
Detailed description:
In the United States, H1N1 influenza has been widespread, resulting in many infections,
hospitalizations, and deaths. Due to impaired respiratory function following injury,
persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) are at extremely high risk from
respiratory complications that occur as a result of contracting influenza.
The overall goal is to understand approaches used to prevent/reduce influenza transmission
in the SCI/D System of Care in response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, in addition to seasonal
influenza. Due to the rapid spread of and uncertainties about the H1N1 virus, one objective
is to evaluate patient's beliefs, behaviors, and information seeking strategies (e. g.,
social media). The other objective is to assess infection control strategies used by SCI
staff (and perceptions of) and guidance provided by local infection control units.
Multiple data collection efforts will be used to evaluate strategies used and their impact
to address influenza (H1N1 and seasonal) in the VHA SCI/D population. At the facility
level, the guidance provided by local infection control units in general and specific to
SCI/D will be assessed via a semi-structured interview with infection control
Chiefs/liaisons. An anonymous survey will be conducted to assess SCI health care providers'
beliefs about and use of infection control strategies (vaccination and non-vaccine methods
such as personal protective equipment, hand hygiene practices, appropriate work attendance
practices) in addition to their perceptions of strength of evidence for H1N1 prevention
measures, resource availability, and outreach by local infection control to facilitate
infection prevention strategies. In addition, Veterans with SCI/D will be surveyed about
their beliefs and information seeking strategies (e. g., social media) about seasonal and
H1N1 influenza during the most recent influenza season, in addition to occurrence of
influenza/ILI, receipt of influenza vaccination (H1N1 and/or seasonal) during the current
influenza vaccination period, and perceived adverse effects from vaccination. Finally, the
use of antiviral medications to treat influenza in Veterans with SCI/D, a two-group
retrospective pre-posttest review of all visits and admissions associated with influenza (or
related) diagnosis and/or antiviral prescription will be conducted. Charts for Veterans
with SCI/D and Veterans who do not have SCI/D will be reviewed and compared for differences
in practices in the SCI/D population versus the general veteran population.
This study will provide critical information that can be used to improve compliance with and
understanding of influenza vaccination and infection control strategies at the patient,
provider, and facility levels. These findings will lend to the understanding of ways to
handle emergent issues, such as the H1N1 pandemic, in special populations.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 89 Years.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Health care encounter within prior year (for Veterans).
- Face to face contact with Veterans (for health care providers)
Locations and Contacts
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois 60141-3030, United States
Additional Information
Starting date: July 2010
Last updated: June 25, 2015
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