Original Research
Protocol for a cross-sectional study on COVID-19 vaccination programmes in primary health care
Submitted: 04 May 2022 | Published: 31 January 2023
About the author(s)
Sumeet Sodhi, Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, Canada; and Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; and Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, CanadaRifka Chamali, Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, Canada
Devarsetty Praveen, The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi, India; and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; and Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Manushi Sharma, The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi, India
Marcelo Garcia Dieguez, Centre for Study of Health Professions Education, National University of the South, Bahia Blanca, Argentina
Robert Mash, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Felicity Goodyear-Smith, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
David Ponka, Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, Canada; and Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
Abstract
Background: An integrated primary health care approach, where primary care and public health efforts are coordinated, is a key feature of routine immunisation campaigns.
Aim: The aim of the study is to describe the approach used by a diverse group of international primary health care professionals in delivering their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programmes, as well as their perspectives on public health and primary care integration while implementing national COVID-19 vaccination programmes in their own jurisdictions.
Setting: This is a protocol for a study, which consists of a cross-sectional online survey disseminated among a convenience sample of international primary health care professional through member-based organisations and professional networks via email and online newsletters.
Methods: Survey development followed an iterative validation process with a formative committee developing the survey instrument based on study objectives, existing literature and best practices and a summative committee verifying and validating content.
Results: Main outcome measures are vaccination implementation approach (planning, coordination service deliver), level or type of primary care involvement and degree of primary care and public health integration at community level.
Conclusion: Integrated health systems can lead to a greater impact in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine and can ensure that we are better prepared for crises that threaten human health, not only limited to infectious pandemics but also the rising tide of chronic disease, natural and conflict-driven disasters and climate change.
Contribution: This study will provide insight and key learnings for improving vaccination efforts for COVID-19 and possible future pandemics.
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