Helping healthcare professionals become effective vaccine champions is paramount in promoting immunization and addressing patients’ questions and concerns about vaccines. Despite the inherent trust people have in their health professionals, this trust is contingent upon equipping healthcare workers with the necessary tools and resources to engage effectively with patients.
Dr. Angelos Kassianos, a health psychologist at Cyprus University of Technology, sheds light on this issue in the latest podcast from the Coalition for Life-Course Immunization (CLCI). While healthcare professionals hold a unique position of influence in promoting healthy behaviors, they also have their own concerns and knowledge gaps regarding vaccines.
According to Dr. Kassianos, healthcare professionals play three vital roles: administering vaccines, recommending vaccines, and encouraging vaccination publicly. However, they may face barriers to uptake themselves and require adequate support to fulfill these roles effectively.
In the limited time available during consultations, healthcare professionals may hesitate to discuss vaccines, especially if they lack confidence in addressing complex questions about side effects. Dr. Kassianos emphasizes the need for accessible, evidence-based information on vaccines and the development of communication skills to engage with patients effectively.
While integrating more information on vaccines into medical school curricula and continuing medical education is essential, Dr. Kassianos stresses the importance of fostering a culture of shared decision-making. Healthcare professionals must understand their patients’ perspectives and adapt their approach accordingly to make a lasting impact.
Person-centeredness is key to modern healthcare delivery, but attitudes toward it vary across Europe and between generations. Dr. Kassianos emphasizes the importance of initiating conversations with patients and allowing them to express their concerns before providing specific information. Tailoring the approach based on patients’ past vaccination records can also enhance effectiveness.
In summary, supporting healthcare professionals with up-to-date information, communication skills, and a patient-centered approach is crucial in empowering them to become effective vaccine champions and address patients’ questions and concerns about vaccines.
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