Piloting short empathetic refutational interview modules in clinical training: Two UK studies

Our objective was to introduce training in the Empathetic Refutational Interview (ERI), a novel framework for improving vaccine conversations and addressing vaccine misconceptions, as continuing medical education to improve HCPs' vaccine communication confidence. We introduced a short-form (60–90 min) ERI training module in two different UK clinical training settings: within a full-length immunisation training day (compared with a control communication module of the same length; Study 1) and as a stand-alone session (Study 2). We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of training impact on participants' vaccine communication confidence. Participants were HCPs who attended the training (Study 1: n = 61; Study 2: n = 98). Participants significantly improved their vaccine conversations after training. Control group participants described improved knowledge of information sources as supporting their confidence, while ERI group participants described improved communication skills and techniques. Participants reported that the ERI provided a conversation structure. Short training modules can improve HCPs' confidence in vaccine communication. Our research applied an innovative new framework for vaccine communication training and produced novel insight on how this evidence-based communication structure helps HCPs gain awareness of effective vaccine communication skills, not just knowledge around signposting patients to information. • Short training modules can improve HCP vaccine communication confidence. • HCPs need training on how to communicate on top of knowledge of vaccine information. • An evidence-based vaccine communication framework is helpful for HCPs. • The Empathetic Refutational Interview can provide such a framework.