Training to address vaccine hesitancy in first-year students

Authors

  • La Vonne Downey Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8958-6970
  • Cara Brock Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2022.221.108115

Keywords:

Covid-19 vaccine, Motivational interviewing, Pharmacy education, Vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

Aim: This study's aim was to determine if an additional educational component on pharmacy students can increase their knowledge and skill level to address vaccine hesitancy and/or refusal related to a future Covid 19 vaccine.   

Methods: First-year pharmacy students were given additional education beyond what they received in their Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) module, on motivational interviewing (MI).  They were given a pre-and post-survey assessing their knowledge and confidence in addressing vaccine hesitancy and the application of MI. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). 

Results: This study showed that additional motivational interviewing education had a significant impact on the student's knowledge, self-assessment of skills in talking to patients, and understanding how the skills impacted patients regarding vaccines both general and Covid-19 vaccines.     

Conclusion:  The study’s findings indicate that additional training that focuses on motivational methods to engage patients is needed for students to be able to address vaccine hesitancy, especially when a new vaccine using different science is on the market. 

Author Biographies

La Vonne Downey, Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Health sciences administration

Cara Brock, Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, United States

  

References

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Vyas, D., Galal, S.M., Rogan, E.L., Boyce, E.G. (2018). Training students to address vaccine hesitancy and/or refusal. American Journal of Pharmacy Education. 82(8), 6338. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe6338

Vyasd80. (2016a). Example of an inappropriate vaccine education session. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOA8TiL1or0&t=293s&ab_channel=vyasd80

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Published

08-02-2022

How to Cite

Downey, L. V., & Brock, C. (2022). Training to address vaccine hesitancy in first-year students. Pharmacy Education, 22(1), p. 108–115. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2022.221.108115

Issue

Section

Research Article