Usability, acceptability, and feasibility of a High-Density Microarray Patch (HD-MAP) applicator as a delivery method for vaccination in clinical settings.
Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022;
18:2018863. [PMID:
35100525 PMCID:
PMC9196792 DOI:
10.1080/21645515.2021.2018863]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
High-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) vaccines may increase vaccine acceptance and use. We aimed to ascertain whether professional immunizers (PIs) and other healthcare workers (HCWs) in Australia, a High-Income Country (HIC), found the HD-MAP applicator usable and acceptable for vaccine delivery.
Methods
This feasibility study recruited PIs and HCWs to administer/receive simulated HD-MAP administration, including via self-administration. We assessed usability against essential and desirable criteria. Participants completed a survey, rating their agreement to statements about HD-MAP administration. A subset also participated in an interview or focus group. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interviews were transcribed and subject to thematic analysis.
Results
We recruited 61 participants: 23 PIs and 38 HCWs. Findings indicated high usability and acceptability of HD-MAP use across both groups by a healthcare professional or trained user and for self-administration with safety measures in place. Most administrations met essential criteria, but PIs, on average, applied the HD-MAP for slightly less time than the required 10-seconds, which the HCWs achieved. PIs perceived safety concerns about home administration but found layperson self-administration acceptable in an emergency, pandemic, and rural or remote settings.
Conclusions
Participants found HD-MAP administration usable and acceptable. Usability and acceptability are likely to be improved through end-user education and training.
Professional immunizers and healthcare workers found high-density microarray patch devices highly usable and acceptable to administer vaccines.
HD-MAPs may have advantages over intramuscular injections in clinical settings and in pandemics.
Vaccination with HD-MAP may improve acceptance for those with needle-related anxiety.
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