Understanding COVID-19 vaccine education for long-term care workers: An environmental scan

Abstract

Aim: We sought to understand educational interventions delivered to long-term care home staff in Ontario, Canada, about COVID-19 vaccines.
 Background: Vaccinating staff in long-term care homes is critical to protecting vulnerable residents from COVID-19. However, significant COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been observed amongst healthcare workers globally. While knowledge exists around why healthcare workers may express hesitancy towards vaccines, there remains an evidence gap on the most effective interventions for promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this population.
 Methods: We conducted an environmental scan consisting of 15 structured interviews with nurse practitioners and management in long-term care homes about education implemented to address staff vaccine hesitancy. We also extracted data from 3 relevant articles identified through an ongoing scoping review.
 Findings: One-to-one informal conversations were the primary method of delivering education, often supplemented with formal presentations and written information. Facilitators were often peers, nurse practitioners, and directors of care. Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) (e.g., providing education in multiple languages) were rarely embedded in formal delivery. The most common barrier to providing education was time constraints.
 Conclusions: A train-the-trainer approach may be helpful to empower educators to have more effective conversations about COVID-19 vaccines with their staff. EDI considerations are important for accessibility and trust.