R3 (Resident Advocacy Project) Evaluation of a Novel COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service

Abstract

Abstract Rationale and Objectives Strengthening confidence in COVID-19 vaccination in the paediatric population promotes more children getting vaccinated, leading to fewer COVID-19 illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. Paediatric providers play an important role in promoting dialogue on the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines for children. Caregivers who experience hesitancy toward the vaccines may lack access to quality medical information. Developed to close this gap, the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VCS) is a nurse-led, telephone consultation service for residents of Ontario with questions/concerns about COVID-19 vaccination for children. The VCS aims to address vaccine hesitancy and enhance vaccine uptake, and ensures that children and caregivers have equitable access to timely and reliable information regarding COVID-19 vaccines in a safe and judgement-free environment. The VCS has escalation pathways in place should further discussion with a physician be required. Appointments can be booked without a referral and discussions are held by telephone. The VCS supports families whose children require specialized accommodation for vaccination with appointments at SickKids and throughout Ontario. Project Description A retrospective review of telephone consults received by the VCS between October 1, 2021- April 1, 2022 was undertaken to evaluate the service utilizing descriptive methodology. Information was extracted from databases stored in RedCap/EPIC and was maintained by staff conducting the calls. Inductive Thematic Analysis was utilized to analyze qualitative data and codes were generated to inform themes. Feedback formation was collected via exit surveys and included details about who was calling, reasons for calling, if concerns had been addressed, and intention to vaccinate. Outcomes Parents were the majority of callers (96%) and 4% were patients themselves, grandparents or other. A total of 99% of the calls included general questions about the vaccine, 36% of calls were questions about children with underlying medical conditions (cardiac conditions being the most common), and 12% were allergy-related questions. 9% of calls required a consult with MD/NP. 83% of questions/concerns were resolved following the call. Further, the majority of those surveyed following the appointment expressed intent for vaccination. Safety and development, side effects, and doses/intervals were the most common reason callers described hesitancy with proceeding with vaccination. Discussion/Future Directions Providing caregivers with timely and reliable information regarding COVID-19 vaccines through the VCS has proven to be effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake in the paediatric community. In the future, the VCS model can be utilized to provide education to caregivers on other routine childhood vaccines.