Whilst Ghana was one of the first countries to start vaccinating its population againstCOVID-19, less than 30% of the population was fully vaccinated at the end of 2022. Toimprove COVID-19 vaccine uptake, the government has so far relied on two strategies:sensitization in communities and specific national vaccination days. Against the backdropof strict budget constraints and the return to normalcy in health-seeking behaviours, theinvestigators aim to test the effectiveness of leveraging interactions of patients withthe healthcare system to reduce misinformation and increase vaccination. Theinvestigators collaborate with the Ghana Health Service to offer vaccination as a defaultoption during routine consultations. To dispel information and encourage vaccinationuptake effectively, the investigators test two interventions designed to encourage andequip front-line providers with skills to discuss COVID-19 vaccination with patients. Thestudy evaluates the effect of the two interventions in a cluster-randomised trial wherethe investigators allocate 120 facilities to one of three groups: a control group whereproviders are not asked to offer COVID-19 vaccines; a light engagement group, whereproviders receive information about COVID-19 and vaccines and a light-touch vaccinemonitoring device is deployed in their facility, and a communication skills buildinggroup, where providers receive all the elements of the light intervention, plus trainingin motivational engagement techniques to encourage vaccination. The primary outcome willbe vaccination uptake and intentions. The study will also evaluate the impact of theintervention on patients' knowledge, beliefs and satisfaction. The investigators willtrack the effectiveness of the training on providers as well as the extent to which theyapply their training to actual practice. Results will contribute to a nascent evidencebase on potential ways to encourage adult vaccination during routine consultations.
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Behavioral: Motivational Interviewing, AIMS
Motivational interviewing (MI). MI is an approach to patient engagement which promotes a
collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person's own motivation and
commitment to change. With MI, the doctor facilitates patient exploration of potential
reasons for behaviour change in the context of what is important to the patient, rather
than the physician directly telling the patient what to do. MI has been found more
effective than other approaches to patient engagement and health behaviour change and can
be effectively taught to primary care providers.
Behavioral: Facility engagement
A letter to the facility from the local health officials; a meeting with the facility
manager and health staff to formally announce that we would like providers to encourage
COVID-19 vaccinations; deploying a tracking sheet for vaccinations.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Mentally sound adults who are aged 16 years and above
- Presenting at the health centre on the day of surveys
Exclusion Criteria:
  -  Received a COVID-19 vaccination dose within last 6 months, or received 2 or more
     doses
- Have fever, chills, or are experiencing severe pain
Ghana Health Service
Accra	2306104, Greater Accra Region	2300569, Ghana
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