The importance of involving midwives before and during the implementation of an antenatal pertussis vaccination program in New South Wales,Australia

Problem

Typically there is limited opportunity for stakeholder engagement to determine service delivery gaps when implementing an outbreak or supplementary vaccination program.

Background

In response to increasing pertussis notifications in NSW, Australia, an antenatal pertussis vaccination program was introduced offering pertussis containing vaccine to all pregnant women in the third trimester.

Aim

To explore the effectiveness of consulting with midwives prior to and during a new state-wide vaccination program.

Methods

A pre-program needs analysis was conducted through an online audit of the NSW Clinical Midwifery Consultants followed by a post-implementation audit at 18 months.

Findings

Information received from the midwives was utilised during program planning which facilitated program implementation without any major issues in all Local Health Districts. The post-implementation audit provided feedback to program planners that that implementation was continuing consistently and Midwives were found to be very supportive and engaged.

Discussion

Education and support of clinicians is vital for high vaccine uptake in new vaccination programs which can be enabled through appropriate educational packages and program resources.

Conclusion

Consulting with the midwives in advance of a new vaccination program was a new initiative and highly recommended as it was time well spent gaining essential information on program resourcing and operational needs. Conducting a post-implementation audit is also strongly recommended as a check-point for issues and recommendations, to empower frontline staff and support consistent program implementation. Frontline staff engagement before and during implementation of a new vaccination program is a powerful mechanism for effective, efficient and consistent program delivery.