ENHANCING NURSE PRACTITIONERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE IN ADDRESSING COVID-19 VACCINATION HESITANCY

Abstract

AbstractProblem Statement: Unvaccinated individuals are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. In order to encourage patients to get vaccinated against COVID-19, healthcare providers need to be able to effectively address patient hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Purpose: To increase the Nurse Practitioner’s ability to address patient hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A COVID-19 vaccination education curriculum was developed, covering topics of COVID-19 vaccine general information, known COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions within the local community, communication strategies and techniques on how to respond to vaccine hesitancy, and a practice session using a communication strategy technique. A one-day training session was provided to the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) Na Lei Kukui Nurse Practitioner Residency Program 2021-2022 Cohort. Results: Increases in participants’ (N=4) overall group mean scores for knowledge and self-confidence were observed between pre- and post-surveys. Increases in pre- and post-test scores for most knowledge check questions were also noted. Comments received on program evaluations indicated that participants found the information and approach useful. Participants recommended the program for other nurse practitioner residents. Discussion: The COVID-19 vaccination education program showed promising results for increasing knowledge and self-confidence among nurse practitioner residents when engaging in vaccine communications with hesitant patients. A major limitation of the project included the small number of participants. However, the program was well received by the participants, and its positive reception suggests that the program may serve as a model for a robust vaccine education program to be used by the Na Lei Kukui Nurse Practitioner Residency Program.