RESEARCH ARTICLE
Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Saskatchewan, Canada: A Developmental Evaluation Approach
Maryam Yasinian1, Tracey Carr1, Jason Vanstone2, Amir Azizian2, Patrick Falastein3, Gary Groot1, *
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2024Volume: 17
E-location ID: e18749445288367
Publisher ID: e18749445288367
DOI: 10.2174/0118749445288367240311101720
Article History:
Received Date: 19/10/2023Revision Received Date: 20/02/2024
Acceptance Date: 28/02/2024
Electronic publication date: 21/03/2024
Collection year: 2024
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Background
The Developmental Evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccination program was an early response to assess a complex emergent mass vaccination program to support learning and adaptation.
Objective
The primary objective of a multi-disciplinary team of researcher-evaluators was to facilitate organizational learning among key stakeholders to improve decision-making and increase vaccine uptake in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Methods
Aligned with the Developmental Evaluation approach, data collection was rooted in adjustment and flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the vaccination program. Data were primarily collected using meeting observations and program documentation. As the program progressed, the data collection was adjusted, and two surveys were conducted targeting COVID-19 vaccine recipients and vaccine immunizers. Data were analyzed iteratively in consultation with stakeholders.
Results
Nine feedback reports were generated over a nine-month evaluation period. Seven reports highlighted meeting observation results that revealed the program issues, probable causes, and implications. The evolving issues ranged from vaccine shortage, delay, and supply fluctuation to inter-organizational miscommunication and vaccine hesitancy. Two reports were produced from survey findings to delve into the persistent issue of vaccine hesitancy.
Conclusion
Effective solutions to complex issues of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 mass immunization require a systems approach based on new ways of thinking and collective decision-making.
