Development and acceptability of a video-based vaccine promotion tutorial for obstetric care providers

• Authors: A. T. Chamberlain, Emory University; R. J. Limaye, Johns Hopkins University; S. T. O'Leary, University of Colorado; Paula Frew, Emory University; S. E. Brewer, University of Colorado; C. I. Spina, University of Colorado; M. K. Ellingson, Emory University; M. Z. Dudley, Johns Hopkins University; Walter Orenstein, Emory University; M. A. Donnelly, University of Colorado; L. E. Riley, Cornell University; Kevin Ault, Emory University; D. A. Salmon, Johns Hopkins University; Saad Omer, Emory University
• Journal Title: Vaccine
• Volume: Volume 37, Number 19
• Publisher: Elsevier Science Ltd. | 2019-05-01, Pages 2532-2536
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.03.005
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Immunology; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Health Care Management
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Immunology; Medicine, Research & Experimental; Research & Experimental Medicine; Maternal vaccination; Influenza; Tdap; Provider-patient communication; Vaccine hesitancy; Provider education; TDAP vaccination; Pregnant women; Influenza; Immunization; Behavior; Patient

Abstract

A prenatal care provider's recommendation for maternal vaccines is one of the strongest predictors of vaccine acceptance during pregnancy. Aside from basic talking points, few resources exist to help obstetric care providers effectively navigate conversations with vaccine hesitant patients. This paper describes the development and acceptability of “VaxChat,” an hour-long, evidence-based video tutorial aimed at improving obstetric care providers’ ability to promote maternal vaccines. Between June and November 2017, 62 obstetric care providers registered to receive continuing medical education credit for viewing VaxChat. Of the post-tutorial responses received, over 90% said VaxChat increased their knowledge of what to say to vaccine hesitant patients, increased their confidence in addressing vaccinations with their pregnant patients, and will help them improve their practice culture regarding maternal vaccine promotion. Eighty percent intend to change how they approach vaccine conversations. These data suggest VaxChat may be a welcome complement to existing provider-to-patient talking points.