[How do you explain vaccine effects to patients? A representative, web-based survey among primary care physicians from North-Rhine Westphalia].
BACKGROUND
This study investigates how frequent general practitioners (GP) explain the immunological vaccine response to patients and which stylistic means they use.


METHODS
Data from a cross-sectional, web-based survey were analyzed. The study population included a representative random sample of 10 % of GPs from North Rhine-Westphalia and all teaching physicians from two universities. The data was evaluated using a multi-method approach with a statistical analysis and a content analysis according to Mayring.


RESULTS
The analysis included 187 GPs (69 % males, 56 % ≤50 years). 18.3 % of GPs routinely informed about the vaccine response. In a clinical vignette, 48.7 % used a layperson-oriented language, supported by figures of speech in 11.8 %. The key content categories were: protection against disease (63.6 %), antibody formation (64.2 %), vaccine concept (47.6 %), and potential adverse reactions (4.3 %).


CONCLUSIONS
To improve patients' health literacy, physicians are asked to routinely explain the immunological effects of vaccines.
H
H
Haumann
A
A
Thielmann
M
M
Sikora
U
U
Schnell
B
B
Weltermann
D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
D014612:Vaccines