Provider-parent Communication When Discussing Vaccines: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Communication Studies
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Expert literature suggests non-confrontational communication improves vaccine compliance.
• Previous reviews found limited evidence for specific face-to-face interventions.
• A systematic review was conducted to identify effective communication practices for vaccine-hesitant parents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and determine the most efficacious communication practices for healthcare providers interacting with parents who have vaccination concerns.
• To synthesize findings from existing literature on provider-parent communication in the context of vaccine hesitancy.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies published in English.
• Included studies assessed provider-parent interaction communication frameworks/styles or provider communication as an intervention.
• Nine articles were included in the final sample.

Main Results:

• The majority of reviewed studies were descriptive and qualitative; only one was a randomized controlled trial.
• Common themes included message types recommended by providers and those requested by parents.
• No definitive communication style was identified as most effective.

Conclusions:

• Current evidence is insufficient to recommend a specific provider-parent communication style for influencing vaccination viewpoints.
• Themes of provider trust and personalized interactions emerged, supporting a participatory approach.
• Higher quality, rigorous studies focusing on provider-parent communication are necessary.