What is the aim of the research project?
Influenza infection in pregnancy can cause serious problems, increasing the likelihood of hospitalisation, pre-term birth, and miscarriage. Influenza or pertussis infection in young babies can also have serious consequences. Pertussis infection in infants can result in brain damage and may be fatal. Vaccination against pertussis and influenza is safe and effective. It protects pregnant women and their babies (in the first few months of life) from severe disease. However, less than half of all pregnant women are vaccinated against influenza and pertussis in Aotearoa. Furthermore, coverage of maternal vaccination is inequitable with coverage of M?ori and Pacific women being much lower than other ethnicities, increasing the risk of them and their babies developing severe disease.
We want to find ways to increase the coverage of maternal vaccination in M?ori and Pacific women. We have undertaken a literature review of tools and resources implemented in practice in Aotearoa and internationally that have improved maternal coverage rates. We are gathering information from key stakeholders in maternal immunisation in primary care to see what they think of these tools and resources and whether they would work in their community.
The aim of the project is to develop culturally appropriate tools and resources to improve maternal vaccination rates for pregnant women through engagement with key stakeholders at a local level.
Who are we seeking to participate in the project?
We are seeking the opinions of key stakeholders involved with maternal care in Aotearoa.
To participate, participants must meet the following criteria: Be current GPs, practice nurses, midwives, pharmacists, immunisation coordinators, kaiawhina, or employees at Iwi-M?ori Partnership Boards, or at M?ori or Pacific Health Providers.
Be able to speak and understand English.
Individuals who are retired from practice or who cannot speak or understand English will not be able to participate.
If you participate, what will you be asked to do?
If you agree to take part in this project, you will be asked to be interviewed, either face-to-face, or over zoom. The interview will start with us talking to you about the findings from the literature review, i.e. the different tools and resources that have been shown to increase the number of pregnant women being vaccinated. After this we will ask your opinions about the tools and resources and their applicability to the Aotearoa health system. We expect these interviews to last approximately one hour. Please be aware that you may decide not to take part in the project without any disadvantage to yourself. As a thank you for participating, you will be given a $50 supermarket voucher.????????