Jane E Frawley1, Kirsty McKenzie2, Allison Cummins3, Lynn Sinclair3, Jon Wardle4, Helen Hall5. 1. Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: jane.frawley@uts.edu.au. 2. Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, Australia. 3. Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, Australia. 4. Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, Australia. 5. Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University,McMahons Road, Frankston, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
PROBLEM: Inactivated influenza vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine are routinely recommended during pregnancy to protect women and their babies from infection. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for infants within the first week of life; however, little is known about midwives' experiences of recommending and delivering these immunisations. BACKGROUND: Midwives are a trusted source of vaccine information for parents and the confident provision of information about immunisation during antenatal clinic visits has been found to increase the uptake of antenatal and childhood vaccines. AIM: This study aims to explore midwives' experiences of discussing maternal and childhood immunisation with women and their partners and their confidence in answering parent's questions. METHODS: We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with registered Australian midwives working in public and private hospital settings, and in private practice. FINDINGS: Midwives find negotiating the requirement to recommend immunisation within a women-centred framework challenging at times. The vast majority of midwives described their education on immunisation as inadequate and workplace issues, such as time pressure, were identified as further barriers to effective communication about immunisation. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION: The provision of immunisation training within midwifery education and continued professional development is critical. Appropriately resourcing midwives with the necessary infrastructure, education and resources to fully inform parents about immunisation may have a positive impact on vaccine uptake.
PROBLEM: Inactivated influenza vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine are routinely recommended during pregnancy to protect women and their babies from infection. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for infants within the first week of life; however, little is known about midwives' experiences of recommending and delivering these immunisations. BACKGROUND: Midwives are a trusted source of vaccine information for parents and the confident provision of information about immunisation during antenatal clinic visits has been found to increase the uptake of antenatal and childhood vaccines. AIM: This study aims to explore midwives' experiences of discussing maternal and childhood immunisation with women and their partners and their confidence in answering parent's questions. METHODS: We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews with registered Australian midwives working in public and private hospital settings, and in private practice. FINDINGS: Midwives find negotiating the requirement to recommend immunisation within a women-centred framework challenging at times. The vast majority of midwives described their education on immunisation as inadequate and workplace issues, such as time pressure, were identified as further barriers to effective communication about immunisation. DISCUSSION/ CONCLUSION: The provision of immunisation training within midwifery education and continued professional development is critical. Appropriately resourcing midwives with the necessary infrastructure, education and resources to fully inform parents about immunisation may have a positive impact on vaccine uptake.
Authors: Antonia Arreciado Marañón; María Isabel Fernández-Cano; Laura Montero-Pons; Maria Feijoo-Cid; Azahara Reyes-Lacalle; Rosa María Cabedo-Ferreiro; Josep Maria Manresa-Domínguez; Gemma Falguera-Puig Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-09 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Natalie Gauld; Samuel Martin; Owen Sinclair; Helen Petousis-Harris; Felicity Dumble; Cameron C Grant Journal: Vaccines (Basel) Date: 2022-01-04