Empowering Older Adults Aged 70 and Above to Improve Use of Vaccines Through Mental Models and Patient Activation A Randomized Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying ways to help older adults, aged 70 years and above, make informed decisions about receiving recommended vaccines, including seasonal influenza, pneumococcal, and possibly annual COVID-19 vaccines. The study aims to improve older peoples confidence, self-efficacy, emotional engagement, and positive future outlook to increase vaccination uptake. This trial is a randomized controlled study focusing on community-dwelling older people and uses the Mental Models Approach and Patient Activation Approach to design interventions. The study compares two groups an intervention group receiving a specially designed booklet and six weekly telephone sessions using motivational interviewing techniques to activate patient engagement, and a control group receiving a pamphlet with vaccine recommendations plus six short telephone calls offering general health advice. The booklet is crafted to address older adults mental models and emotional decision-making preferences, while the telephone sessions aim to support knowledge, skills, and confidence in vaccination decisions. Participants will be involved in baseline questionnaires and follow-up assessments at one and four months after the interventions to track vaccination uptake and changes in attitudes, knowledge, emotions, and behaviors. Data will be collected through questionnaires and telephone interviews, and outcomes like vaccine uptake rates and patient activation measures will be analyzed. The study includes careful monitoring to ensure participant understanding and consent, with data handled securely and anonymously throughout the trial.

Older People's Preventive Care Utilization