Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chan TC(1), Lee WSB(1), Wong LY(1), Tse NL(1), Tam PY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Princess Margaret Hospital, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Introduction: :
Increase vaccine uptake in children requires healthcare providers to work with parents and to educate them about the risks and benefits of vaccination. Although Influenza vaccinations have proven to be extremely safe and effective, vaccine hesitancy among parents remains a significant concern that can reduce the Flu vaccination for their children. In Sep 2024, an evidence-based nursing practice project was conducted to enhance Flu Vaccination rate of hospitalized Paediatric patients using nurse-led parental empowerment approach.
Objectives: :
1. To empower vaccine-hesitant parents of Paediatric in-patients through parental education to enhance Flu vaccine knowledge and confidence of parents. 2. To increase uptake of Flu vaccination of children.
Methodology: :
A “Pre-test” vs. “Post-test” design was adopted. A quality improvement project using evidence-based strategies was piloted in one General Paediatric ward. Intervention included a nurse-led assessment and education. A pre- and post-survey on carers’ knowledge assessment of seasonal influenza (concerns on age and season of vaccination, common side effects etc.) and self-rating knowledge and confidence level to have Flu vaccination (10-points Likert scale) was designed. Workflow of Nurse-led Influenza Vaccination screening and education was developed. In-patients aged 6 months to < 12 years who had not received Flu vaccination in the past one year were recruited in Oct 2024. Patients with emotional and social problems were excluded. Post-survey was conducted right after the education. Post-discharge phone follow-up on Flu vaccination was conducted in Jan 2025.
Result & Outcome: :
In Oct 2024, total 20 nos. of Paediatric in-patients were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data showed that Group one: 7 nos. (35%) had never received Flu vaccination and Group two: 13 nos. (65%) had not received vaccination within one year. Post carers’ knowledge assessment showed increase correctness by 32.5% from 35% to 67.5%. The mean score of carers’ self-rating on knowledge level and confidence to have Flu vaccination has increased from 5.67 to 7.8 and 5.7 to 7.5 respectively. Post-discharge phone follow-up demonstrated a tremendous increase uptake of Flu vaccination. 85% (n=17) of the vaccine-hesitant parent supported Flu vaccination for their children, among which 55% (n=11) had already completed the vaccination. In conclusion, nurse-led carers’ empowerment approach is an effective way to boost up Flu vaccination rate by enhancing knowledge and confidence of vaccine-hesitant parents to have Flu vaccination for their children.
