Addressing Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Physician Strategies
23 Pages Posted: 14 Dec 2022
Abstract
Vaccination and booster coverage remain key to reducing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, the third leading cause of death in the U.S. To identify physician strategies to address vaccine-hesitancy, we surveyed a national representative sample of physicians in frontline specialties. A random sample of 13,064 physicians from a comprehensive list of practicing physicians in the United States were emailed a survey in August 2021. Survey questions addressed patient concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines and asked about strategies used to counter vaccine misinformation and encourage vaccine-hesitant patients. Weighting was applied to achieve representativeness and reduce non-response bias, Open-ended responses were coded via thematic analysis. Multi-variable logistic regression evaluated associations between physician and pandemic characteristics with use of communication strategies. 531 physicians responded (4.1%): emergency medicine (142); critical care (84); primary care (241); hospitalists (34); and infectious disease (30). Weighted response balance statistics suggested balance between respondents and nonrespondents. On average, physicians reported hearing 4 vaccine concerns from patients. Safety, side effects, vaccine misinformation, and mistrust in government were most common. 297 physicians described communication strategies: 180 (61%) provided vaccine education and 94 (32%) created a safe space for vaccine discussion. Compared with emergency medicine, critical care (2.45, 95% CI 1.14, 5.24), infectious disease (2.45, 95% CI 1.00,6.02), and primary care physicians (1.66, 95% CI 1.02, 2.70) were more likely to provide communication strategies. Physicians can play a key role in addressing concerns and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. Support and vaccine infrastructure can expand opportunities for vaccination in the Emergency Department.
Note:
Funding Information: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Declaration of Interests: The authors report no financial disclosures.
Ethics Approval Statement: This study was considered exempt from review by the Institutional Review Board of the University of California, Davis.
Keywords: COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination refusal, COVID-19/prevention and control, Physician's Role, Patient education, Health Promotion, Health Communication
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