Current state of support by outpatient nurses involved in the immunization of children with chronic diseases

Abstract

 Introduction This study was conducted to clarify the current state of and issues surrounding support by outpatient nurses involved in the immunization of pediatric patients. Methods An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1,650 pediatric outpatient nurses providing outpatient care for chronic diseases. The questionnaire asked about the respondent’s characteristics, the characteristics of the respondent’s affiliated institution, support for immunization of pediatric patients, and answers to open-ended questions. Results In total, 417 questionnaire forms were recovered, of which 415 (25.2% valid response rate) were subject to analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 43.2±8.4 years and 413 (99.5%) were women. Immunization was performed at the affiliated institutions of 404 respondents (97.3%). Outpatient nurses provided support such as monitoring physical changes in pediatric patients and answering the questions of guardians, and also coordinated schedules according to the treatment plans of pediatric patients. Support by outpatient nurses for immunization of pediatric patients was influenced by the frequency of support. Discussion Immunization of pediatric patients was provided at almost all the respondents’ institutions. Moving forward, outpatient nurses need to both manage chronic diseases and interact with guardians and pediatric patients in a way that promotes understanding of immunization.