Developing an intervention to increase vaccination uptake amongst pregnant women using a person based approach

Research question Developing an intervention to increase vaccination uptake amongst pregnant women using a person-based approach. Background Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, due to physiological and immunological changes in pregnancy. In the UK, vaccinations are routinely offered to pregnant women for influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and Covid-19, with proven effectiveness and safety during pregnancy. Uptake of vaccinations during pregnancy in the UK are below national targets, but little is known about factors influencing vaccination decisions, and information and messages needed to increase uptake. Aim To develop an evidence informed intervention to increase vaccination amongst pregnant women. Objectives 1. To explore information needs, preferences on messaging and preferences for receiving information about vaccination. 2. To define key features and guiding principles to increase uptake of vaccination amongst pregnant women, based on the Person-Based Approach to intervention development. 3. To receive user feedback on the intervention (using qualitative Think Aloud methodology). To modify intervention content based on feedback and gather additional feedback on amended versions. Methods and timelines for delivery This is a two-phase qualitative study, involving user involvement and qualitative research to understand behavioural aspects of user engagement with interventions. Phase 1: a. A qualitative study involving interviews or focus groups (participants will be offered the choice of interview of focus group) with pregnant women to determine what information pregnant women feel would be useful from an intervention and preferences for receiving information. b. Interviews with clinicians to explore what they feel about their role within information provision and delivery of vaccinations to pregnant women. Phase 2: Development of guiding principles and key features of intervention, based on findings of the qualitative work and previous qualitative work. Phase 2 is the Intervention Optimisation phase consisting of user feedback of the intervention. This phase concludes with the intervention being developed. Anticipated impact and dissemination This research will lead to an appropriate intervention (such as written informational materials or an online resource) with potential to lead to increase in vaccination uptake and reduce occurrences of preventable severe illnesses amongst pregnant women and babies. This has potential for positive impact on maternal and infant health, and increasing positive, clear messaging around vaccinations in pregnancy. Findings will be shared and discussed with health professionals, members of the public, policy makers and public health professionals. Findings will be shared on study websites, and by professional networks relevant to the topic area. Findings will be disseminated via publications in maternal health journals and national conferences, and educational material will be developed for healthcare professionals.