Project Change Proposal: Educating Vaccine-Hesitant Parents

Project Change Proposal
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Project Change Proposal
1. Background
Parents often want to do what is best for their children. While this is critical, it can work against children, especially where their parents are less informed about the importance of pediatric vaccines. There has been a growing concern for increased vaccine-preventable diseases among children (Ventola, 2016). Some parents refuse, delay, or are hesitant to allow their children to be immunized. Despite vaccines becoming increasingly available, a section of parents can be described as “vaccine-hesitant.” There is a need for widespread education to address instances of non-vaccination. According to McKee & Bohannon (2016), the number of previously eradicated diseases has consistently increased because of parent hesitation. This implies that children and adults are more at increased risk of the ill effects of these diseases since there is an increased number of children and adolescents not vaccinated. Rémy, Largeron, Quilici & Carroll (2015) indicate that the failure to vaccinate children presents serious health challenges and increases the economic cost of treating the same children for preventable diseases. It is, therefore, necessary to develop effective ways of addressing issues raised by vaccine-hesitant parents.
2. Problem statement
Vaccination remains a highly effective method of preventing various infectious diseases. Because of routine immunization, most of the world’s children have been protected from particular infectious illnesses that in the past caused millions of infant deaths each year. Despite the benefits of immunization, non-vaccination of pediatrics is a major health problem that needs careful attention (Brewer et al., 2017). While the declining vaccination rates can be attributed to many factors, it is critical to consider the impact of misinformation on parents regarding vaccines. Parent hesitancy for childhood immunizations is still on the rise due to rumors stemming from social media and other media facets regarding the supposed negative effects of vaccines. When parents are deciding on vaccinating their children, they are more inclined to seek information from the Internet than consulting their doctor (Jolley & Douglas, 2014). If such parents find websites anti-vaccine conspiracy allegations, they are more likely to believe misleading information. Despite this challenge, nurses and other healthcare professionals need to get educated and comfortable engaging in conversations with parents encouraging on-time childhood vaccinations. Healthcare professionals should be at the forefront in ensuring that parents get correct information about immunization (Burden, Henshall & Oshikanlu, 2021). Studying this topic is important in demonstrating how nurses can educate vaccine-hesitant parents on the need to immunize their children.
3. Purpose of the change proposal
This change proposal endeavors to develop an effective strategy in dealing with vaccine-hesitant parents. With the need to deal with preventable diseases among children, parents need to recognize the essence of immunization. The proposal appreciates that vaccine-hesitant parents have reasons for preventing their children from getting vaccinated. Instead of dismissing the parents’ claims, the change proposal works towards addressing their concerns. The proposal also seeks to educate nurses on utilizing PowerPoint presentations and brochures to share information with parents. It recognizes that since nurses are primary caregivers, they are in a better position to influence parents' beliefs and urge them to allow their children to receive the doses.
4. PICOT
P- Parents who need to have their children immunized
I- Nurses use short PowerPoint and/or brochure to share information with parents regarding vaccination
C- Comparison not participating in the educational program
O- Reduction in the number of parents who opt not to have their children immunized
T- Six (6) months
PICOT Statement: Will a short PowerPoint presentation and brochure given to nurses to share information with parents before pediatric immunization or during physical or urgent care appointments reduce the number of those who opt not to vaccinate their children after six months?
5. Literature search strategy employed
This literature review employed a database search method. The aim was to obtain peer-reviewed journals that were relevant to pediatric immunization. The materials used were also up-to-date, with those published within the last five years considered. Cochrane and Medline databases were used to obtain the relevant literature. The two databases were chosen because they are authoritative and permit researchers to examine who conducted the research, where it was conducted, who wrote the results, and other important factors in the study (Craven et al., 2014). Since the databases also contain high-quality information, which is needed when conducting evidence-based medicine. Search terminologies related to pediatric immunization were applied to refine the search and increase the chances of obtaining materials relevant to the topic. Lastly, an article review was done to identify the most relevant articles for the research. A discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each piece demonstrated why each article may or may not offer sufficient evidence for the practice change.
6. Evaluation of the literature
A section of parents in the United States who do not take their children for immunization has led to a major healthcare problem. The issue has attracted not only the attention of policymakers and communities but also numerous researchers.
Azzi et al. (2020) examine barriers in childhood immunization. While investigating a suburb of a Malaysian State with a multiethnic population, the study demonstrates that educated parents show more faith in vaccines and their importance. Connelly et al. investigate parents' attitude towards pain management as a hindrance towards the utilization...