MON-542 Improving adherence to Pneumococcal Vaccine in Adults with Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: T.E. Rave: None. S. Tariq: None. A. Bonilla: None. T. Prazeres: None. A.A. Franco Akel: None. R. Belokovskaya: None. People with Diabetes mellitus (DM) have an increased risk of pneumococcal infection. Studies have found that a longer duration of DM and poorer glycemic control increases the relative risk of pneumonia-related hospitalizations by 25-75%. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC′s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends pneumococcal vaccines in all patients with DM over the age of 19. At our institution, vaccines are typically offered by primary care providers. However, given the significantly poor glycemic control in the patient population in the Diabetes Practice, these patients are particularly susceptible to infections. This Quality Improvement project aimed to enhance pneumococcal vaccination adherence among adults with DM within our endocrinology practice.We performed a retrospective review of 458 adults aged 19 years or older with a diagnosis of type 2 DM, type 1 DM, latent autoimmune diabetes and monogenic diabetes at Metropolitan Hospital Diabetes Practice from 10/2023-9/2024. Of these patients, 176 (38%) were up to date. We aimed to increase this adherence rate to 60% (Outcome measure). Our intervention strategy (Process measure) included: 1) educating the providers and nursing staff regarding the importance of discussing vaccination risks and benefits, 2) implementing a smart phrase to clinic notes in Epic as a guide to providers to address vaccination status, 3) providing vaccination information sheets to patients, and 4) offering an updated vaccine during the visit.During the first month of intervention we evaluated 78 patients. Prior to their visit, 39 (50%) were not up to date with the pneumococcal vaccine. Of those, 19 (48%) were administered an updated vaccine during their visit, 6 refused vaccination, 3 reported they were vaccinated at an outside facility, and 11 were deferred for other reasons. After our intervention, 58 patients (74%) were up to date with their pneumococcal vaccines. Surveys were anonymously collected from the clinical staff to assess their satisfaction (Balancing measure). Responses noted that the impact of the process on overall time efficiency of daily workflow had no significant change in 56%, improved in 33%, and worsened in 11%. In addition, 67% of staff responded that it had no significant effect in their patient interaction and it did not contribute to an increase in burnout.Our process proved to be effective and made a dramatic improvement in pneumococcal vaccination adherence in patients with DM. A majority of our staff felt no significant impact from this process on their daily work, and some even stated it had improved. A pneumococcal vaccine is an easy way to prevent infection that is often overlooked. This project highlights the need and ease of adhering to this important guideline. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025