Study protocol
'Communicate to vaccinate' (COMMVAC). building evidence for improving communication about childhood vaccinations in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a programme of research
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* Corresponding author: Simon Lewin simon.lewin@nokc.no
1 Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, PO Box 7004 St. Olavs plass N-0130 Oslo, Norway
2 Health Systems Research Unit, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
3 Centre for Health Communication and Participation, Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
4 Vaccines for Africa Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa
5 School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa
6 International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE/UIPES), 42 Boulevard de la Liberation, 93203 Saint Denis Cedex, France
7 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel. Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
8 School of Public Health, La Trobe University, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
9 South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa
Implementation Science 2011, 6:125 doi:10.1186/1748-5908-6-125
Published: 2 December 2011Abstract
Background
Effective provider-parent communication can improve childhood vaccination uptake and strengthen immunisation services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Building capacity to improve communication strategies has been neglected. Rigorous research exists but is not readily found or applicable to LMICs, making it difficult for policy makers to use it to inform vaccination policies and practice.
The aim of this project is to build research knowledge and capacity to use evidence-based strategies for improving communication about childhood vaccinations with parents and communities in LMICs.
Methods and design
This project is a mixed methods study with six sub-studies. In sub-study one, we will develop a systematic map of provider-parent communication interventions for childhood vaccinations by screening and extracting data from relevant literature. This map will inform sub-study two, in which we will develop a taxonomy of interventions to improve provider-parent communication around childhood vaccination. In sub-study three, the taxonomy will be populated with trial citations to create an evidence map, which will also identify how evidence is linked to communication barriers regarding vaccination.
In the project's fourth sub-study, we will present the interventions map, taxonomy, and evidence map to international stakeholders to identify high-priority topics for systematic reviews of interventions to improve parent-provider communication for childhood vaccination. We will produce systematic reviews of the effects of high-priority interventions in the fifth sub-study. In the sixth and final sub-study of the project, evidence from the systematic reviews will be translated into accessible formats and messages for dissemination to LMICs.
Discussion
This project combines evidence mapping, conceptual and taxonomy development, priority setting, systematic reviews, and knowledge transfer. It will build and share concepts, terms, evidence, and resources to aid the development of communication strategies for effective vaccination programmes in LMICs.