Utilization of Provider-Patient Communication Tools and Approaches to Facilitate Vaccine Confidence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: With declining vaccine coverage and rising concerns regarding vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases are rising. Many research studies have examined approaches to enhance the acceptance of vaccines, but the integration of these approaches into practice has been limited. Thus, the objective was to identify recent evidence surrounding provider-patient communication tools and approaches related to vaccination confidence. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA methodology was conducted. Using a pre-specified search strategy aligned with the research objective and performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science, articles were evaluated by two researchers independently, with a third resolving discrepancies, at the title and abstract screening, full-text review, quality assessment, and data extraction phases. Extraction data were descriptively analyzed, including the impact on vaccine acceptance, and synthesized thematically. Results: From the 2291 studies which underwent screening, a total of, 143 articles were included. Most studies were conducted in the United States, in the outpatient setting, and utilized physicians and nurses to deliver the intervention. Many vaccines were covered, with the greatest number of studies focusing on influenza, HPV, and pneumococcal vaccines. The three predominant communication approaches and tools utilized were provider-focused training, direct patient education/materials, and provider-patient communication strategies. These strategies often focused on addressing knowledge gaps, health beliefs, and common concerns. Over two-thirds of studies increased vaccine acceptance following communication interventions. Conclusions: To address vaccine concerns, it is important to ensure providers have the education and training necessary as well as tools to address underlying causes of concerns. When equipped, providers are able to improve vaccine acceptance.

Keywords: communication; vaccine acceptance; vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy; vaccines.

Figure 1

PRISMA Diagram of Article Identification, Screening, and Inclusion.