Preparing Nurses for Vaccine Conversations

Abstract

Vaccines are the most cost-effective preventative method of infectious disease prevention. Despite the evidence of vaccine effectiveness, there are still individuals who are hesitant about or refuse vaccines. Evidence shows a significant number of vaccine-hesitant individuals are parents of young children. Many factors play a role in parental uncertainty about vaccines, and lack of informed decision making is one that can be addressed by health care workers. Evidence shows that adequate vaccine education and a strong provider recommendation have a significant impact on vaccine uptake. For providers to make a firm recommendation and properly educate families on the benefits, risks, and side effects of vaccines, they must feel confident in their knowledge and communication of the topic. The purpose of this DNP quality improvement project was to increase vaccine knowledge and communication skills of nurses at an immunization clinic of a large health department in southwestern NC. The intervention used was an education session focused on common childhood vaccines and motivational interviewing techniques. Follow-up included assessment of the nurses' communication during vaccine conversations, as well as any identification of perceived barriers to communication. Post-intervention findings revealed 100% of the project participants reported increased vaccine knowledge and increased communication confidence, thus supporting the use of an education session to increase nurses’ confidence in vaccine conversations.