Great Plains Quality Innovation Network launched a COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Ambassador Program to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts and recognize community-based organizations, healthcare providers and nursing homes with high staff vaccination rates throughout North Dakota and South Dakota.
As of today, over 55 organizations have met this milestone and have been recognized as a COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Ambassador. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Ambassador page for a list of Ambassadors, a summary of how they accomplished this goal and the form to submit vaccination rates for your organization.
“We applaud those organizations who have attained the goal of 75 percent vaccination among staff. This recognition includes hospitals, public health departments, long-term care facilities, assisted living centers and other community-based health organizations. We know often times meeting this goal requires a significant effort in offering education, training and data/fact sharing. For those struggling with vaccine numbers, please visit our Ambassadors page for best practices and tips that may help you and your team with vaccine confidence. For those that met this goal, we commend your efforts and are happy to recognize and highlight this accomplishment through our Vaccination Ambassador Program,” remarked Krystal Hays, DNP, RN, RAC-CT; Great Plains QIN Regional Project Manager.
Healthcare professionals were first in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of our essential role in fighting this pandemic. Vaccination of the healthcare workforce protects patients/residents who are at risk for severe illness. Early protection is critical to preserving an organization’s capacity to offer safe care. In addition, healthcare workers can serve as role models as a trusted and reliable resource. By getting vaccinated, we can positively influence the vaccination decisions of coworkers, residents, patients, friends and family.
“Leading by example is so important when building confidence and that is evident when you read the best practices that organizations have submitted and how leaders have been instrumental in organizations reaching 75 percent or greater staff COVID vaccination rates,” added Dee Kaser; RN, CDCES; Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Advisor.
Motivational Interviewing: A Tool in the Toolbox
Risa Hayes, CPC; Program Specialist with Telligen, recently shared information on how motivational interviewing (MI) can assist with vaccine confidence and offers tools on how to apply it. Hayes offers a 20-minute educational video on this topic; sharing recent data on vaccine enthusiasm, barriers, reasons for vaccine hesitancy and strategies to assist with vaccine confidence. Hayes and her colleague also offer a demonstration on how motivational interviewing can be applied, utilizing the OARS + Model (Open Ended Questions, Affirmations, Reflective Listening, Summarize). The Plus (+) is about offering information and advice with permission. Access Risa Hayes Motivational Interviewing Presentation to learn more.
June is National COVID-19 Vaccine Month of Action
The HHS “We Can Do This” COVID-19 Community Corps launched a month-long mobilization effort to get our communities vaccinated by July 4th! The National Vaccine Month of Action is a collaborative effort with thousands of national organizations, community-based partners, and everyday people, serving as trusted messengers, listening to people’s concerns and helping them make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccinations. There are plenty of ways to take action near you or virtually. Find opportunities to participate here.