Technically Speaking: New Online Modules for Clinicians and Caregivers

Did you know that the Vaccine Update website offers an “online learning” page? The page features free online modules that providers can use to stay updated on the latest vaccination practices. Some include the option for continuing education credits. These modules are informative, interactive and engaging, and they can be used by providers of all clinical backgrounds.

Collaborative development

The online modules were developed in collaboration with, and supported by, multiple cities, states and national partners, including:

• Office of Community Engagement at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Pennsylvania Chapter, AAP (PA-AAP)
• Autism Society
• Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health

The project was led by Angela Shen, ScD, MPH, a visiting research scientist at the Vaccine Education Center (VEC).

"Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 & More"

This free web-based, interactive session offers a two-hour training divided into three parts. The first part details the dangers of COVID-19 disease, explains the system of authorizing and approving vaccines in the United States, and highlights the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. The second module explores data-based best practices when it comes to vaccine communication. The third part offers a review of additional resources and how to receive continuing education credit or a certificate of attendance for training requirements. Free continuing education credits are available for physicians, nurses and pharmacists.

This module will help you answer questions such as this:

Which of the following statements are FALSE?

1. If a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 is asymptomatic (e.g., no cough, no runny nose), they cannot spread the virus to other people.
2. People who are pregnant or who were recently pregnant (within 42 days following end of pregnancy) are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared with people who are not pregnant.
3. Long COVID symptoms can include any of the following: fatigue or inability to be active, difficulty thinking or concentrating (so-called “brain fog”), sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, headache, dizziness or changed sense of taste or smell.
4. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects and analyzes reports of adverse events that happen after vaccination to detect unusual or unexpected reporting patterns. 
5. A clinician says, “Cooper is ready for his COVID-19 vaccine today. We’ll make sure to give that before you leave.” This is considered a ‘presumptive’ introduction.

Answer

Only “A” is false. An infected person can spread the virus even if asymptomatic.

"Trusted Messenger Engagement to Dispel Misinformation and Promote Vaccine Confidence for All Vaccines"

This set of modules includes three parts related to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, how to identify and stop vaccine-related misinformation, and having evidence-based, empathetic conversations related to vaccines.

This module will help you answer questions such as this:

Name 6 common factors that help false beliefs form and persist.

Answer

1. Limited access to accurate information or information overload
2. Lack of familiarity with science
3. Social influence (being influenced by your social network)
4. Being influenced mostly by like-minded individuals (“echo chambers”)
5. Emotional and psychological factors (e.g., people may be more likely to believe information that aligns with their fears)
6. Mental shortcuts

The module also offers an infographic on this topic.

"Vaccine Equity for Autistic People and Communicating about Vaccines"

This set includes two modules for providers. Both modules relate to working with autistic and neurodiverse people. One focuses on vaccine equity and the other on optimizing the vaccine experience for this subset of patients.

This module will help you answer questions such as this:

Describe 4 examples of vaccination visit supports that can help mitigate stress for some neurodiverse patients.

Answer

1. Changes to the physical environment: For example, clinics and primary care sites can use clear signage, configure waiting areas to reduce crowding, and encourage families to bring tools that help their loved one, such as sound minimizing headphones.
2. Workflow adaptation: For example, parents, caregivers or nursing staff can receive training and incorporate pain reduction methods, such as “Buzzy” or “Shotblocker.”
3. Language/communication supports: For example, offer simple visual communication options (e.g., printed symbol or letter boards) and encourage the use of augmentative communication devices for patients that have them.
4. Sensory supports & distraction tools: For example, provide or encourage families to bring a weighted lap pad, silicone bubble popper, "squishy" ball or rain stick.

"For Caregivers: The Importance of Vaccines and Optimizing the Vaccination Experience for Neurodiverse People"

Two modules on the page are meant for sharing with caregivers of autistic and neurodiverse people. The first focuses on vaccine information and is based on the VEC’s booklet Vaccines & Your Baby. The second module for caregivers focuses on optimizing the vaccine experience, so that after completing the modules both caregivers and healthcare providers are aware of similar information and can work together to improve vaccine appointments.

Of note, the caregiver modules are not offered for continuing education credits.

Continuing education credit

Each of the modules, except for the two designed for caregivers (Modules A-B), offers options to receive continuing education credit supported by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The modules can also be viewed for no credit. Each option is clearly identified on the webpage to help you determine which modules are best suited for your needs.

Summing up

Please see the VEC webpage, “Online Learning for Healthcare Providers,” or share the link chop.edu/vaccine-online-learning. We hope you find the modules to be helpful and that you will consider sharing them with your colleagues and partners as well as with caregivers of autistic and neurodiverse patients. If you have feedback or questions, please email us at vacinfo@chop.edu using the subject line, “Online Training Modules.”