Education on Vaccination Competence: an Intensive Course for Skillful Health Science Students

Overview

Journal Mater Sociomed

Date 2024 Feb 21

PMID 38380289

Authors

Dimitra Perifanou

Eleni Konstantinou

Sari Nyman

Anne Nikula

Aija Ahokas

Joan-Carles Casas-Baroy

Daniela Cavani

Paola Ferri

Paola Galbany-Estragues

Cinzia Gradellini

Kristina Grendova

Michaela Machajova

Montse Romero-Mas

Daniela Mecugni

Xavier Palomar-Aumatell

Janka Prnova

Carme Roure Pujol

Heli Thomander

Evanthia Sakellari

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective interventions for public health. Studies have shown that health professionals who have good knowledge and positive attitudes towards vaccination are more likely to provide effective vaccination protection to people, including themselves. Therefore, health science students must acquire evidence-based knowledge during their education to meet the challenges of healthcare.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and feedback of health science students who participated in the Educating Vaccination Competence (EDUVAC) Intensive Course.

Methods: A five-day Intensive Course was implemented for health science students, which included a pre-assignment. The EDUVAC Intensive Course used different teaching methods (lectures, workshops, interactive games, discussions), group work, study visits, and cultural programs to encourage students' motivation. For the purpose of the study, students filled out an online questionnaire after giving informed consent.

Results: Sample consisted of 31 health science students from five European Higher Institutions. They had very good knowledge on most knowledge questions. In the post measurement it was significantly greater and equal to 81%, p<0.001. Almost all students (93.5%) totally agreed that . The statement received 80.6% total agreement. Over 90.3% rated the Intensive Course as or ".

Conclusions: After completing the EDUVAC Intensive Course, students felt confident in their vaccination knowledge and skills, which benefited their professional development.

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