Open AccessAn audit of health student immunisation at a University Department of Rural Health reveals the imperative for a coordinated approach
Author(s) -
Crossley Caroline,
Thompson Sandra
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/1753-6405.13075
Subject(s) - audit , medicine , stakeholder , health care , public health , communicable disease , work (physics) , pillar , family medicine , nursing , environmental health , medical education , public relations , political science , business , law , engineering , mechanical engineering , accounting , structural engineering
Objective : Student healthcare worker immunisation ensures the protection of students, their patients and the wider community. This audit assessed allied health students’ records of immunisation against national standards. Methods : This audit examined clinical students’ immunisation records at a University Department of Rural Health and assessed their compliance with the national Australian Immunisation Handbook recommendations. Gaps in processes were assessed through a review of forms, guidelines and stakeholder feedback. Results : Around one‐quarter (26%) of healthcare students provided evidence that they were immunised in line with national standards. Inconsistency of immunisation recommendations across universities, states and disciplines were identified. Conclusions : This audit highlighted gaps in healthcare student immunisation assurance processes at both local and national levels, and we recommend key elements that would be required for a more consistent, streamlined and coordinated approach. Implications for public health : As a pillar of communicable disease control, immunisation compliance continues to pose important public health challenges. Without further work towards coordination of healthcare students’ immunisation assurances, there is a risk of preventable morbidity and mortality in vulnerable communities, as well as suboptimal student and worker safety in an environment that poses high risks.