Can Doctors Reduce COVID-19 Misinformation and Increase Vaccine Uptake in Ghana? A Cluster-randomised Controlled Trial
- Conditions
- COVID-19
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Facility engagementBehavioral: Motivational Interviewing, AIMS
- Registration Number
- NCT06191211
- Lead Sponsor
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- Brief Summary
Whilst Ghana was one of the first countries to start vaccinating its population against COVID-19, less than 30% of the population was fully vaccinated at the end of 2022. To improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the government has so far relied on two strategies: sensitization in communities and specific national vaccination days. Against the backdrop of strict budget constraints and the return to normalcy in health-seeking behaviours, the investigators aim to test the effectiveness of leveraging interactions of patients with the healthcare system to reduce misinformation and increase vaccination. The investigators collaborate with the Ghana Health Service to offer vaccination as a default option during routine consultations. To dispel information and encourage vaccination uptake effectively, the investigators test two interventions designed to encourage and equip front-line providers with skills to discuss COVID-19 vaccination with patients. The study evaluates the effect of the two interventions in a cluster-randomised trial where the investigators allocate 120 facilities to one of three groups: a control group where providers are not asked to offer COVID-19 vaccines; a light engagement group, where providers receive information about COVID-19 and vaccines and a light-touch vaccine monitoring device is deployed in their facility, and a communication skills building group, where providers receive all the elements of the light intervention, plus training in motivational engagement techniques to encourage vaccination. The primary outcome will be vaccination uptake and intentions. The study will also evaluate the impact of the intervention on patients' knowledge, beliefs and satisfaction. The investigators will track the effectiveness of the training on providers as well as the extent to which they apply their training to actual practice. Results will contribute to a nascent evidence base on potential ways to encourage adult vaccination during routine consultations.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 7000
- Mentally sound adults who are aged 16 years and above
- Presenting at the health centre on the day of surveys
- Received a COVID-19 vaccination dose within last 6 months, or received 2 or more doses
- Have fever, chills, or are experiencing severe pain
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Doctors Light Communication Facility engagement In facilities randomised to this group, all front-line health workers receiving patients in outpatient consultations over the trial duration will be asked to encourage eligible patients to get vaccinated or receive a booster of the Covid-19 vaccine. At the start of the intervention period, all facilities will receive a visit from the District office of the Ghana Health Service. The visit will (1) remind them of the importance of covid19 vaccination to all consulting staff; (2) ask all consulting staff to have discussions with patients about Covid19 vaccination during routine consultations and (3) provide a simple tracking sheet to be used by consulting staff to record these consultations. Doctors Enhanced Communication Facility engagement In addition to facility engagement described in the "Doctor light communication" group, five front-line health workers from each of the facilities in the treatment group will be invited to take part in a training providing information and developing specific communication skills to encourage patients to get vaccinated. The communication skills are based on principles rooted in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and have been used in Ghana to address vaccine hesitancy. Doctors Enhanced Communication Motivational Interviewing, AIMS In addition to facility engagement described in the "Doctor light communication" group, five front-line health workers from each of the facilities in the treatment group will be invited to take part in a training providing information and developing specific communication skills to encourage patients to get vaccinated. The communication skills are based on principles rooted in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and have been used in Ghana to address vaccine hesitancy.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Proportion of patients who intend to get vaccinated Immediately after treatment COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates in the health centre 8 weeks
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Ghana Health Service
🇬ðŸ‡Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana