Training to address vaccine hesitancy in first-year students

Abstract

Aim: This study's aim was to determine if an additional educational component on pharmacy students can increase their knowledge and skill level to address vaccine hesitancy and/or refusal related to a future Covid 19 vaccine. Methods: First-year pharmacy students were given additional education beyond what they received in their Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) module, on motivational interviewing (MI). They were given a pre-and post-survey assessing their knowledge and confidence in addressing vaccine hesitancy and the application of MI. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Results: This study showed that additional motivational interviewing education had a significant impact on the student's knowledge, self-assessment of skills in talking to patients, and understanding how the skills impacted patients regarding vaccines both general and Covid-19 vaccines. Conclusion: The study’s findings indicate that additional training that focuses on motivational methods to engage patients is needed for students to be able to address vaccine hesitancy, especially when a new vaccine using different science is on the market.