Question

how would you address a patient's concerns, fears, and/or worries about vaccinacion?

Answer 1

Addressing a patient's concerns about vaccination

In health care delivery system, it is a usual scenario to deal with a patient's concerns and fears prior to any care from simple to complex procedures. Addressing a patient's or relatives (parents of a child) questions about vaccination is one of the common daily routine in nursing especially in primary care level. The primary responsibility of a nurse while dealing with these situation should be assessing the need of the patient or identifying what concerns with them.This can be done by asking common questions to know about their knowledge regarding vaccination along with active listening of their concerns and questions.Once the patient raised the specific worries and fears, a positive message can be provided to increase the level of confidence regarding that particular concern in a good language and tone.It is very important to address each patient in a different way according to their culture, belief and social norms.

some key points are

• Approach the patient or relatives with non-judgemental way
• Active listening of their feelings and worries
• Assess the level of knowledge
• Provide positive messages which increase the level of confidence
• Be flexible while communicating
• Do not argue or force the patient to accept what is discussed
• Accept their right to choose treatment
• Provide reinforcement for a desired decision

A health care provider should use Clear, flexible communication strategies during discussing patients concerns and worries regarding vaccination.It helps to provide positive health education and leads to a positive outcome.