Evidence-based design of vaccine hesitancy information resources for health care providers

The University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) sought to address the increasing challenge of vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic by developing evidence-based information resources for health care providers. To do this, HSCL librarians assessed the vaccine hesitancy information needs of local health care providers to design a resource that could be used to support conversations with vaccine hesitant patients at the point of care.

A team of six librarians, supported by student research assistants, conducted interviews with 20 health care providers in north central Florida. The interviews, conducted via Zoom, focused on providers' experiences with vaccine-hesitant patients. Content analysis of the transcribed interviews identified key themes, including trust, individualized conversations, and the impact of misinformation. The team developed a resource guide based on these findings, featuring curated information to support providers in vaccine discussions.

The results highlighted the importance of trust in patient-provider relationships and the challenges posed by misinformation. Providers expressed a need for diverse, accessible resources to aid in conversations about vaccines. The resulting resource guide, disseminated through local health networks, aims to enhance providers' ability to address vaccine hesitancy effectively. This project underscores the critical role of librarians in public health initiatives and the value of collaborative efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy.