RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Motivational Interviewing Strategies for Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 420
OP 426
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2022.02.210327
VO 35
IS 2
A1 Boness, Cassandra L.
A1 Nelson, Mackenzie
A1 Douaihy, Antoine B.
YR 2022
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/35/2/420.abstract
AB Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), vaccine hesitancy, defined as a behavioral phenomenon whereby individuals neither fully accept nor fully reject the COVID-19 vaccine, presents a major health threat in the midst of the current pandemic. Traditional approaches for addressing vaccine hesitancy in health care lack empirical support and, in some instances, have actually increased vaccine hesitancy. Thus, there is an urgent need for approaches that effectively address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in health care settings. The current article highlights the need for and importance of motivational interviewing (MI), which emphasizes collaborative communication between physicians and patients, in addressing vaccine hesitancy. We describe a 3-step process for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy that includes using a guiding style, using the MI toolbox, and responding mindfully and skillfully to the individual's degree of hesitancy. The discussion concludes with a consideration of possible challenges in implementing these steps when addressing and resolving COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.