Keenan, Alex
(2013)
Health Visitors experiences of MMR vaccination for children.
Unspecified thesis, Unspecified.
|
Text
2013AKDissertationFinal_Amendments.pdf - Unspecified Download (824kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background In 2012 there was a large measles outbreak in Liverpool. The MMR vaccine has had low uptake rates since 1998 and the historical low uptake rates may have contributed to the outbreak. Parental and GP attitudes towards MMR have been well documented. What have not been reported are the experiences of Health Visitors during childhood vaccination appointments. Health Visitors are the main point of contact with new parents and their perceptions are under explored. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of Health Visitors during appointments that are arranged with parents to discuss and administer the MMR vaccination for children. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was used to explore the experiences of Health Visitors during appointments and discussions with parents in relation to vaccinations in general and the MMR specifically. A total of 10 Health Visitors were interviewed. Each interview was recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings There are 3 main findings reported. Firstly, the experiences and training of Health Visitors appears to have influenced their opinions of vaccinations. Secondly, the Health Visitors appear to categorise families on their caseloads according to ii subgroups. The perceived groups have a variety of needs that appear not to be met by the national one-size-fits-all approach to childhood vaccinations. The final finding is that there is a perception that there have been changes of risk perception since the recent measles outbreak and more families are choosing to have their children vaccinated. Conclusions If the perceptions of the Health Visitors are correct, the second finding leads us to conclude that the present national one-size fits all approach to childhood vaccinations is not appropriate for a rich and varied society. Through best practice and tweaking existing practices, MMR uptake can be increased.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Unspecified) |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Apr 2022 14:41 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 21:04 |
| DOI: | 10.17638/03153651 |
| Supervisors: |
|
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3153651 |
Dimensions
Dimensions
