Ms Debie Crisologo1
1Monash Health, Australia
Biography:
Debie, a registered nurse with 16 years’ experience in Australia and the Philippines, has spent the past four years in Infection Prevention at Monash Health. Passionate about patient safety, she drives evidence-based strategies, promotes best practices, and supports knowledge sharing to reduce healthcare-associated infections and improve quality of care.
Abstract:
Background
Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases due to their frequent and close contact with patients and potentially infectious individuals. Vaccination not only protects HCWs from illness but also reduces the risk of disease transmission to patients and colleagues while contributing to broader community immunity. Despite this, vaccine compliance remains a challenge in certain HCW cohorts, particularly among support services staff. At Monash Health Dandenong, the initial vaccine compliance rate within this group was 52%.
Actions
To address this gap, a targeted education campaign was launched focusing on the importance, safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Education was delivered through face-to-face sessions using culturally appropriate materials, one-on-one discussions and consistent reinforcement during team meetings. Efforts also included addressing misconceptions and creating opportunities for staff to ask questions in a supportive environment. A vaccination compliance report was consistently monitored, and feedback was provided to the leadership team.
Results
Following the education and engagement efforts, vaccine compliance among the support services staff increased from 52% to 80%. The initiative demonstrated that tailored education and active communication could positively influence health behaviour in non-clinical staff groups.
Conclusion
This local initiative at Dandenong Hospital underscores the importance of targeted strategies to improve vaccination uptake in specific workforce groups. Focused education, culturally sensitive communication, and ongoing staff engagement proved essential in closing the compliance gap and supporting a safer healthcare environment for both staff and patients.
Acknowledgement: Dr. Christopher Robson and Dandenong Hospital Support Services Team