AACE Advancing Immunization Quality Improvement Communication Platform-AACE - UNLV Health Patient Focus Groups Summary Report

AACE - UNLV Health Patient Focus Groups Summary Report - July 2023

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The Specialty Societies Advancing Adult Immunization (SSAAI) initiative, led by the American Association for Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) in partnership with several specialty societies via the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), organized patient focus groups at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to gather insights on adult immunization. The purpose was to comprehend the attitudes of patients, mainly those with Type 2 diabetes, towards vaccinations and the factors influencing their decisions. This understanding aims to help AACE identify areas for improvement to bolster immunization rates.<br /><br />The study involved two one-hour focus groups comprising 17 participants aged 50-65, with an almost equal gender split. Ethnic distribution included African Americans, Whites, Hispanics, and one Filipino participant.<br /><br />The primary themes derived from the groups reveal that decisions about vaccinations are shaped by personal beliefs, trust in healthcare providers, individual research, and concern for family members. The breakdown of these themes indicated that:<br /><br />1. **Vaccination as a Personal Decision**: Participants emphasized that choosing to get vaccinated is a personal choice influenced by their own research, advice from healthcare providers, personal experiences, and beliefs. <br />   - Examples:<br />     - One participant viewed vaccination as an individual decision, driven by personal health goals.<br />     - Another followed vaccination protocols without reservations, considering it essential for health maintenance.<br /><br />2. **Positive vs. Negative Views on Vaccines**:<br />   Some participants saw vaccinations positively, viewing them as essential to avoid illness, while others were skeptical, fearing potential harm.<br />   - Examples:<br />     - Participants who had no reservations endorsed vaccines based on positive past experiences.<br />     - Conversely, some avoided vaccinations like the flu shot due to adverse past experiences, creating lasting negative perceptions.<br /><br />These insights emphasize the diverse perceptions towards vaccinations among adults with Type 2 diabetes and underline the need for tailored communication and interventions to address concerns and reinforce positive beliefs about immunization.

Keywords

SSAAI

AACE

CMSS

UNLV

adult immunization

Type 2 diabetes

vaccinations

patient focus groups

healthcare providers

personal beliefs