Counteracting Vaccine Misinformation: An Active Learning Module

Abstract

Rises in vaccine hesitancy and the incidence of vaccine-preventable illnesses is, in part, due to an increase in vaccine misinformation. Consequently, many patients express skepticism and mistrust of vaccines. It is important that future clinicians are well equipped to understand vaccine-related literature to prepare them for difficult conversations with patients. This module incorporated various active learning approaches to evaluate vaccine-related literature, discuss true contraindications for vaccination, and aid students in approaching patient-clinician conversations about vaccines. Data gained from delivery of this module suggests that students benefit from gaining knowledge and cultivating communication skills about vaccines early in health professions education.

Keywords: Active learning; Flipped classroom; Immunization; Role-play; Vaccination; Vaccine hesitancy; Vaccine misinformation; Vaccines.

Fig. 1

Student responses (n = 204) to 5-point Likert scale questions to gage perceptions of vaccines. ^†Data from questions reverse scored for analysis

Fig. 2

Student responses (n = 204) to 5-point Likert scale questions to gage perceptions of engagement