Development of Risk Screening and Care Taking Systems to Prevent and Reduce Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination

Abstract

Screening for risk and caring at pre - post vaccination, are important steps for clients’ safety. This action research aimed to develop system for risk screening and care-taking to prevent and reduce adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination. Research was conducted during January to November 2021. It was devided into 3 phases: situational analysis phase, implementation phase, and evaluation phase. Participants were: seventy nine multidisciplinary care personel and clients who came for services during study process. Data were collected by focus group, questionnaires, and records. Research tools were: data recording form, risk assessment for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and clients’ satisfaction forms. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: (1) Situational analysis phase, problems of inconsistent screening guidelines, inadequate service location, and insufficient workers were reported; (2) System development phase, 6 components based on WHO’s health systems framework were developed, comprising of national vaccination policy, sufficient and competent workforce, screening service delivery and practice guidelines, appropiate and ready to use of tools, equipments and places, getting access to essential drugs, and availability of knowledge packages and routes of communications; and (3) Evaluation phase, valid risk screening and care-taking systems were developed. The AEFI before and afer the system development was decreased from 15.57 percent (from 1,143 doses) to 3.69 percent (from 46,536 doses). The mean score of clients’ satisfaction improved from 76.61 to 92.11 percents. The system developed with clear guidelines helped the care teams worked appropriately. The clients were satisfied with the services and got access to vaccination safely.