NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX 6218 Leading the Future of Health Care

Prof. Name

Date

Planning for Community and Organizational Change Summary

Vaccination hesitancy has become a significant concern at Armatage Elementary School, where the principal has observed a notable increase in parents seeking exemptions from vaccination requirements for their children (Capella University, n.d.). This worrying trend raises the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough within the school community. The rise in exemption requests is driven by the spread of anti-vaccination information within the community, likely propagated through online sources, social media, and local groups. This misinformation is challenging to counteract and poses serious health risks to both unvaccinated children and the broader community by undermining herd immunity and endangering those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

Summary

Benefits and Implications

To address vaccination hesitancy at Armatage Elementary School, a comprehensive approach involving community education and strategic partnerships is proposed. This includes organizing informational workshops led by healthcare professionals and distributing educational materials. These proposed changes at Armatage Elementary School offer significant benefits for the community. By implementing comprehensive educational workshops, partnering with healthcare providers, and enhancing communication strategies, the school can increase vaccination rates, thus reducing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough. These measures will protect not only the health of unvaccinated children but also those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, thereby strengthening herd immunity (Siciliani et al., 2020). 

Clear goals for these changes include achieving higher vaccination compliance, improving public health literacy regarding vaccinations, and fostering a community environment that supports evidence-based health practices. These outcomes are supported by credible evidence showing that well-informed communities with high vaccination rates experience fewer disease outbreaks and better overall health outcomes (Robinson et al., 2021). By proactively addressing misinformation and improving access to vaccinations, the school can ensure a safer, healthier environment for all students and their families.

Potential Barriers to Change

Implementing changes to address vaccination hesitancy at Armatage Elementary School may face several barriers, both within the organization and the broader community. One significant barrier is the prevalence of misinformation and lack of trust in vaccines. This misinformation, often spread through social media and community groups, fosters skepticism among parents, making them more likely to resist vaccinations for their children. Studies, such as those by Lee et al. (2022), have shown that misinformation significantly contributes to vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs can also play a crucial role.

Some community members may oppose vaccination due to deeply rooted cultural or religious views, which can be challenging to counter. Research by Wong et al. (2020) highlights how cultural and religious factors can influence health behaviors, including attitudes toward vaccination. Moreover, fear of vaccine side effects is another common barrier, as parental concerns about potential adverse reactions can deter them from vaccinating their children. Multiple public health studies, including those by Littig et al. (2022), have identified fear of side effects as a primary reason for vaccine refusal, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

Organizational and community factors further contribute to resistance. Within the school or local health departments, bureaucratic processes can slow down the implementation of new policies or educational programs. At the same time, limited financial and human resources may hinder comprehensive educational campaigns or vaccination drives (Brock et al., 2020). In the community, peer influence and the role of community leaders can significantly impact individual decisions. Negative opinions about vaccines can spread quickly within close-knit communities, reinforcing hesitancy. Additionally, historical mistrust of medical institutions can create resistance to new health initiatives. Research by Qiao et al. (2020) emphasizes that better access to reliable health information correlates with higher vaccine acceptance, suggesting that addressing information gaps is critical for overcoming hesitancy. Therefore, understanding these barriers and their underlying causes is essential for developing effective strategies to promote vaccine acceptance and improve public health outcomes.

Strategies for Changing Barriers into Opportunities and Resolving Conflict

To address vaccination hesitancy and enhance public health at Armatage Elementary School, Vila Health executive leaders can focus on two primary strategies: developing and distributing educational materials and organizing workshops. These strategies will help transform barriers into opportunities and resolve conflicts effectively. The drivers of change in this context include providing accurate, evidence-based information to counteract misinformation and creating interactive platforms where parents can engage with healthcare professionals (Herman et al., 2024).

Our vision is to create a well-informed, health-conscious community where vaccination rates are high, misinformation is minimal, and public health is prioritized. In the short term (0-6 months), we will develop and distribute brochures, fact sheets, and informational pamphlets in multiple languages, making them accessible through the school, community centers, and healthcare facilities. Concurrently, we will organize workshops led by healthcare professionals, providing detailed explanations about vaccines, their safety, and their importance, scheduled at convenient times for parents (Lip et al., 2023).

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Effective communication with stakeholders and overcoming resistance will be achieved through transparent communication, regular updates via newsletters, emails, the school website, and open forums for addressing concerns. Engaging community leaders, healthcare professionals, and local authorities in planning and implementation will lend credibility to the initiative while soliciting feedback from parents will ensure they feel heard and valued. Building trust involves highlighting success stories, providing reassurances from trusted healthcare experts, and sharing personal testimonies from those affected by vaccine-preventable diseases (Thompson et al., 2023).

Resolving conflicts among competing interests will involve mediation and dialogue to understand concerns and find common ground, encouraging compromise and collaboration where different groups can contribute to the overall goal. Basing all decisions on credible evidence and ensuring transparency in decision-making processes will build trust and reduce resistance. By focusing on these strategies, Vila Health can effectively address vaccination hesitancy, improve public health outcomes, and foster a supportive community environment.

Stakeholder Communications

To help organizational stakeholders understand and evaluate the proposed changes of organizing informational workshops led by healthcare professionals and distributing educational materials, it is crucial to identify and engage critical stakeholders effectively. The primary stakeholders in this initiative include executive leaders, healthcare professionals, school administration, parents and students, local health authorities, and community leaders. Executive leaders, such as the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior management, are pivotal decision-makers whose approval and allocation of resources are essential for the success of the initiative.

Healthcare professionals who will lead the workshops provide the necessary credibility and expertise to deliver accurate information and address concerns. The school administration, including principals and teachers, will facilitate the organization of events and distribution of materials within the school. Parents and students, as the primary beneficiaries, are crucial for participation and feedback, determining the initiative’s success. Local health authorities and community leaders will offer additional support, validation, and advocacy, enhancing the initiative’s credibility and community engagement.

The proposed changes will significantly impact the organization by improving public health, building community trust, and enhancing the organization’s reputation. Increased vaccination rates will reduce the incidence of preventable diseases, leading to a healthier community (Vaz et al., 2020). Transparent communication and credible information will foster trust between the community and the healthcare system. While the organization may need to reallocate resources for developing materials and conducting workshops, the long-term benefits, including cost savings from preventing disease outbreaks, will outweigh these initial investments (Rodrigues & Plotkin, 2020).

To support these changes, decision-makers will be provided with comprehensive data and information, including current vaccination rates, health statistics, evidence of misinformation, a cost-benefit analysis, successful case studies, stakeholder feedback, and a detailed implementation plan. With the help of these data, Vila Health can gain the necessary support to implement the initiative and improve public health outcomes in the community.

References

Armatage Elementary School. (2023, December 10). Home – Armatage elementary school. Armatage.mpschools.org. https://armatage.mpschools.org/

Capella University. (n.d.). Vila Health: Planning for change. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/nurs-fpx6218element236957/wrapper.asp&sa=D&source=apps-viewer-frontend&ust=1711700540866615&usg=AOvVaw1f9xRFvtxS70bqp0FAC7KY&hl=en

Brock, K. E., Allen, K. E., Barton, C., Shapiro, R., Weintraub, B., Wasilewski-Masker, K., Escoffery, C., & Johnson, K. A. (2020). A methodologic approach to conducting a statewide community needs assessment of pediatric palliative care and hospice resources. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 60(3), 531-538.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.004 

Canada, P. H. A. of. (2020, December 3). What healthcare professionals can do: Vaccine fake news and science deniers, CCDR 46(11/12). Www.canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/reports-publications/canada-communicable-disease-report-ccdr/monthly-issue/2020-46/issue-11-12-november-5-2020/vaccine-misinformation-found-online.html 

Herman, B. C., Poor, S., Clough, M. P., Rao, A., Kidd, A., De Jesús, D., & Varghese, D. (2024). It’s not just a science thing: Educating future STEM professionals through mis/disinformation responsive instruction. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21934 

Lee, S. K., Sun, J., Jang, S., & Connelly, S. (2022). Misinformation of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 13681. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17430-6 

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Lip, A., Pateman, M., Fullerton, M. M., Chen, H. M., Bailey, L., Houle, S., Davidson, S., & Constantinescu, C. (2023). Vaccine hesitancy educational tools for healthcare providers and trainees: A scoping review. Vaccine, 41(1), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.093 

Littig, C. H., Frank, T., Schmaderer, C., Braunisch, M. C., Renders, L., Kranke, P., Popp, M., Seeber, C., Fichtner, F., Littig, B., Carbajo-Lozoya, J., Meerpohl, J. J., Haller, B., & Allwang, C. (2022). COVID-19 vaccines: Fear of side effects among German health care workers. Vaccines, 10(5), 689. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10050689 

Minnesota Compass. (n.d.). Armatage | MN Compass. Minnesota Compass. https://www.mncompass.org/profiles/city/minneapolis/armatage 

Qiao, S., Friedman, D. B., Tam, C. C., Zeng, C., & Li, X. (2020). Vaccine acceptance among college students in South Carolina: Do information sources and trust in information make a difference? MedRxiv: The Preprint Server for Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.02.20242982 

Robinson, P., Wiley, K., & Degeling, C. (2021). Public health practitioner perspectives on dealing with measles outbreaks if high anti-vaccination sentiment is present. BMC Public Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10604-3 

Rodrigues, C. M. C., & Plotkin, S. A. (2020). Impact of vaccines; health, economic and social perspectives. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11(1526). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01526 

NURS FPX 6218 Assessment 3 Planning for Community and Organizational Change

Siciliani, L., Wild, C., McKee, M., Kringos, D., Barry, M. M., Barros, P. P., De Maeseneer, J., Murauskiene, L., & Ricciardi, W. (2020). Strengthening vaccination programmes and health systems in the European Union: A framework for action. Health Policy, 124(5), 511–518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.02.015 

Thompson, S., Meyer, J. C., Burnett, R. J., & Campbell, S. M. (2023). Mitigating vaccine hesitancy and building trust to prevent future measles outbreaks in England. Vaccines, 11(2), 288. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020288 

Vaz, O. M., Ellingson, M. K., Weiss, P., Jenness, S. M., Bardají, A., Bednarczyk, R. A., & Omer, S. B. (2020). Mandatory vaccination in Europe. Pediatrics, 145(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-0620

Wong, L. P., Wong, P.-F., Megat Hashim, M. M. A. A., Han, L., Lin, Y., Hu, Z., Zhao, Q., & Zimet, G. D. (2020). Multidimensional social and cultural norms influencing HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asia. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 16(7), 1611–1622. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2020.1756670

Appendix A: Grant Proposal

Need Statement

The issue this change addresses is the rising vaccination hesitancy within the community of Armatage, particularly among parents of children at Armatage Elementary School. This problem is evidenced by a recent increase in vaccination exemption requests, posing significant public health risks within the school and the broader community. The scope of the problem includes the potential for outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough, which can compromise the health of both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals due to lowered herd immunity (Capella University, n.d.). Given the densely populated and diverse nature of Armatage, even a moderate level of vaccination hesitancy can have profound implications for community health and safety (City of Armatage, 2015).

Several barriers are likely to be encountered when implementing this change in Armatage. These barriers may include the spread of misinformation, lack of trust in healthcare systems, and resistance from parents influenced by anti-vaccination rhetoric. The sources of information used to define the need for change include the Vila Health: Plan for Change. This highlights the health concerns and vaccination trends within the community. Other change initiatives or studies addressing similar problems include efforts by local health departments, schools, and community organizations to promote vaccine education and improve immunization rates. Collaborating with these initiatives and leveraging existing resources and expertise can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed change in Armatage.

Program Description

The proposed change initiative aims to address vaccination hesitancy at Armatage Elementary School through two primary strategies: organizing informational workshops led by healthcare professionals and distributing educational materials to parents and the broader community. This initiative targets parents, students, school staff, and the wider Armatage community to ensure comprehensive coverage and maximum impact. The workshops will provide a platform for healthcare professionals to discuss the benefits and safety of vaccinations, debunk common myths, and address any concerns or questions from parents. These sessions will be scheduled during convenient times, such as evenings and weekends, to accommodate parents’ schedules and will be held at the school and community centers to ensure accessibility.

Simultaneously, educational materials, including brochures, fact sheets, and digital content, will be developed and distributed to reinforce the information presented in the workshops. These materials will be available at school events, through newsletters, and on the school’s website and social media channels. The initiative will begin within the next six months, starting with the development of materials and scheduling workshops. The aim is to create a well-informed community that understands the importance of vaccinations, thereby reducing exemption requests and increasing overall immunization rates. This change is crucial to protect public health, prevent disease outbreaks, and maintain herd immunity within the community. By leveraging the expertise of healthcare professionals and ensuring clear, consistent communication, the initiative seeks to build trust, dispel misinformation, and promote a healthier environment for all residents of Armatage.

Goals and Objectives

The goal of the change initiative at Armatage Elementary School is to combat vaccination hesitancy by educating parents and the community through workshops led by healthcare professionals and the dissemination of educational materials. By providing accurate information about the benefits and safety of vaccinations, addressing misconceptions, and fostering community trust in healthcare providers, the initiative aims to increase immunization rates among students. Partnerships with local healthcare providers will enhance credibility and facilitate access to vaccinations. Monitoring and evaluation will track progress, ensuring adjustments are made as needed to achieve the overarching goal of protecting public health and maintaining herd immunity in the Armatage community.

Program Evaluation

The change initiative at Armatage Elementary School will be evaluated primarily through quantitative data analysis of vaccination rates and exemption requests before and after implementation. Oversight responsibilities will be shared among the school administration and healthcare professionals leading the workshops. Regular monitoring of immunization rates will provide clear metrics on the initiative’s impact, with initial evaluations conducted shortly after the workshops begin and subsequent assessments scheduled at regular intervals thereafter. Reports detailing these findings will be shared with school administrators, healthcare providers, and local health authorities to assess progress, identify any emerging barriers, and adjust strategies as needed. This structured approach ensures that the initiative remains responsive to community needs and effectively addresses vaccination hesitancy among parents and caregivers in the Armatage community.

Summary

This change initiative addressing vaccination hesitancy at Armatage Elementary School is crucial for safeguarding public health within the community. By increasing immunization rates among students, we aim to prevent outbreaks of preventable diseases and maintain herd immunity, which protects vulnerable individuals unable to be vaccinated. The goals and objectives of this initiative align closely with the mission of our funding organization, which prioritizes community health and disease prevention. Their financial support is vital as it enables us to organize educational workshops, distribute informative materials, and collaborate with healthcare providers effectively. We deeply appreciate the funding agency’s consideration and support, which will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success and sustainability of this initiative for the benefit of the entire Armatage community.

Appendix B: Project Budget