Title : Exploring the impact of an online immunization provider training module to address parental vaccine hesitancy
Abstract:
The purpose of this project was to improve provider competence in addressing parental vaccine hesitancy. While practice guidelines are clear about the importance and timing of pediatric immunization, parental vaccine hesitancy exists as a complex phenomenon. Research regarding best practices for training pediatric providers in vaccine counseling skills is lacking. The PICOT question guiding this study asked: Among pediatric immunization providers in Ohio, how does an online educational program on parental vaccine hesitancy compared with no training affect perceived provider competence in addressing vaccine hesitancy as evaluated on a pre-test/post-test survey administered at the time of the educational offering and 4 weeks post program? A convenience sample of 42 pediatric providers attended a 1-hour webinar on immunization best practices. An adaptation of the Perceived Competence Scale was utilized to evaluate participant feelings of competence in addressing parental vaccine hesitancy. The online surveys were administered before the program, immediately after the program, and 4-weeks post program. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess changes in perceived competence scores before and after the online educational program. Results indicated a significant increase in perceived competence of the providers post program. Education regarding vaccine counseling best practices may promote provider competence in addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Audience Take Away:
- Recognize the significance of parental vaccine hesitancy.
- Describe best practices to increase parental vaccine acceptance.
- Identify the impact of an online immunization provider training module to address parental vaccine hesitancy.
