- Grace Wade
- Summer 2026
Faculty instructor: Professor Sharna Aaen Clark
Abstract
Background
Childhood immunizations remain one of the most effective strategies for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy continues to contribute to delayed or missed immunizations despite strong evidence supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness. Current literature suggests that communication between healthcare providers and parents plays a significant role in building vaccine confidence. Evidence consistently supports empathetic communication, motivational interviewing, and strong presumptive recommendations as effective strategies for improving vaccine discussion and strengthening trust between families and healthcare providers.
Purpose
The purpose of this practicum project was to synthesize current evidence-based communication strategies that pediatric nurses can use to build vaccine confidence and support informed decision-making among vaccine-hesitant parents in pediatric outpatient settings. The goal was to translate current research into practical recommendations that nurses can incorporate into routine well-child visits.
Methods
An evidence synthesis was conducted using eight peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025, including systematic and narrative reviews, intervention studies, clinician training research, and evidence-based guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. To compare the literature with current clinical practice, informal stakeholder interviews were conducted with a pediatric registered nurse, pediatrician, pediatric nurse practitioner, and clinic manager. Information gathered from the literature and stakeholder interviews was synthesized into a one-page educational infographic designed for pediatric outpatient nurses.
Discussion
The literature and stakeholder interviews consistently identified three evidence-based communication strategies: building trust through empathetic communication, providing clear and confident vaccine recommendations, and using motivational interviewing to guide collaborative conversations with families. These findings were translated into an educational infographic designed to provide nurses with practical communication strategies that can be applied during routine vaccine discussions. Incorporating these approaches into practice may strengthen nurse-family relationships, improve vaccine confidence, and support informed decision-making among parents.
Keywords: vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy; pediatric nursing; childhood immunization; motivational interviewing; evidence-based communication.