[Implementing vaccination recommendations in discharge letters].

OBJECTIVES: There is still a lack of attention paid to the subject of vaccinations indicated for people with chronic disease, so the vaccination rates in this field are low or hardly known. Hospitals only play a minor part in the vaccination subject, although they play a big part in the treatment of chronically ill patients.

METHODS: In this study we wanted to test the practicability of the implementation of vaccination recommendations in discharge letters as a chance to give the subject more attention and involve hospital doctors in the vaccination process. In addition, we analyzed clinical und primary care physicians' attitudes towards these recommendations and vaccination in general.

RESULTS: 88.5% of the general practitioners and 81.3% of the hospital doctors consider vaccination recommendations in discharge letters reasonable. 86.3% of the general practitioners said they were willing to perform the recommended vaccinations. The main responsibility in the vaccination process is clearly allocated to general practitioners, but many hospital doctors want to raise the level of attention given to the vaccination subject in their departments.

CONCLUSION: Standardized implementation of vaccination recommendations in discharge letters is a reasonable way to involve hospital doctors in the vaccination process as part of the preventive care services for chronically ill patients. At the same time, general practitioners will be regularly informed about indicated vaccinations for the individual patient.