Background and Significance: Caregiver vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a barrier to pediatric health. Current pediatric vaccination rates nationwide fall below the national recommendations. Understanding contributors to individualized hesitancy while employing motivational interviewing (MI) techniques can reduce caregiver hesitancy, improve influenza vaccination rates, decrease pediatric disparities, improve community health, and reduce healthcare costs. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce caregiver influenza vaccine hesitancy through provider education and the use of MI techniques with the MOTIVE-Flu (Motivational Interview Tool to Improve Vaccination Adherence) algorithm point of care tool. The intended outcome goal was to increase seasonal influenza vaccination rates by 10% when comparing the participating providers 2020 (without the intervention) to the 2021 (with the intervention) vaccination acceptance rate. Methods: A literature review guided the selection of the tools and techniques selected, which substantiated the effectiveness of MI within the pediatric population in the primary care setting. De-identified aggregate data was reviewed and provided by the organizational data manager and the participating Medical Assistant (MA). Statistical analysis was provided via Michigan State University (MSU). To assist with MI techniques and the MOTIVE-Flu tool use education was completed by the participating MA's, provider, and nurse practitioner student. Implementation: Implementation occurred from October 2021 to December 2021 within peak influenza vaccine administration season. The intervention occurred during all pediatric primary care visits for children aged six months through seventeen years. The Knowledge into Action Framework guided the development and monitoring process with bi-weekly clinical staff progress, evaluation, and support. Implications: Practical implications include reducing pediatric influenza morbidity and mortality, reducing the spread of influenza within the community, and decreasing healthcare costs. Keywords: Vaccine, Hesitancy, Motivational Interviewing, Pediatric, Primary Care.
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