Enhancing health care equity and harmonious society – KCC FM&GOPC GVP Program for Ethnic Minorities in Primary Care Setting

Abstract Description

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Authors (including presenting author) :

Chan BY(1), Phoebe Lai FS(1), Lai SW(1), Catherine Chen(1), Leung SH(1), Li YC(1)

Affiliation :

(1)Department of Family Medicine and General Outpatient Clinics, Kowloon Central Cluster

Introduction :

Influenza (the flu) can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Based on the recommendations given by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Hospital Authority provides free Seasonal Influenza (and Pneumococcal) vaccination in GOPCs to the targeted groups who are at higher risk on voluntary basis. However, due to language barrier causing misunderstandings, the vaccination rate of ethnic minority groups were low. Thus, focused strategies are designed at primary care setting (Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic, YMTJC GOPC) to improve vaccination delivery and eliminating disparities in care (vaccination).

Objectives :

1. To provide an opportunity to pursue equality in health by breaking the language barrier 2. To promote health protection of ethnic minority groups (chronic cases and elderly population) through receiving an annual influenza vaccination 3. To enhance the accessibility of vaccination for ethnic minority groups in primary care setting 4. To ensure the minorities may receive proportionately same seasonal vaccination opportunities as HK people

Methodology :

1. Community collaboration and partnership Invite the collaboration of India Association H.K. with focusing on explaining benefits and importance of Flu vaccination. Communicate with the designated person (Past President of India Association H.K.) about the logistics of the vaccination activity. 2. Proactive approach and targeted promotion Promote this vaccination activity in the Association via poster. Members and their families who are eligible for the government vaccination program were welcomed and offered enrollment for this vaccination activity. On site interpreter(s) will be arranged by the Association to facilitate the vaccination activity and enhance the continuity of care (vaccination). 3. Facilitated and tailor-made service Set up designated vaccination counters in YMTJC GOPC on specific dates and sessions. Arrange two time slots in afternoon session (at 14:30 and 15:45, each session for 15 clients) to allow vaccination in an orderly manner. 4. Innovative and mutual cultural support Share vaccination moments and experience through photo taking within Association in order to disseminate the message and promote flu vaccination. Encourage members and their families who are eligible for vaccination to join this vaccination activity in order to build up a positive culture towards flu vaccination in Association and among different ethnic minority groups.

Result & Outcome :

1. 16 & 35 clients were given vaccination on 20th November 2018 and 15th January 2019 2. 34 clients got the first shot of flu vaccination while 23 clients got the first shot of pneumococcal vaccination through this activity. Conclusion: Strategies that focus on ensuring ethnic minorities are offered influenza (and pneumococcal) vaccinations should be implemented to provide health and prevent severe complications. All clients appreciated this vaccination activity and showed warm sensation. Moreover, frontline staff showed support with positive feedbacks for providing vaccination to minorities in this orderly arrangement – Win-Win Situation.