Clinical communication to improve uptake of pentavalent vaccine in children under 5 years in Cameroon: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION: Vaccines are an evidence-based public health strategy that stimulates immune responses and prevents life-threatening childhood diseases, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Although immunization coverage in Africa has improved, it has not reached targets. Effective communication and reminder systems are vital for increasing vaccine uptake. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this project was to improve uptake of the pentavalent vaccine among children under 5 years in Bali Health District, Cameroon, by implementing evidence-based practices. METHODS: This best practice project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which includes the use of PACES (Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System) and GRiP (Getting Research into Practice) tools. The project was conducted in seven phases: identification of practice area for change, engaging change agents, readiness assessment, baseline audit, implementation of change strategies, follow-up audit, and planning for sustainability. RESULTS: The baseline audit revealed poor compliance with best practices, with all criteria scoring below 40%, and two criteria (6 and 7) scoring 0%. Targeted strategies were implemented, including training workshops, dissemination of evidence summaries via SMS and WhatsApp, development of a communication protocol, and posters and reminder systems. The follow-up audit showed marked improvements in actions such as client appointment scheduling, interpersonal communication, and caregiver follow-up. The most significant gains were in caregiver appointment reminders (+80 percentage points, q < 0.001), provider explanation of vaccine benefits (+28 pp, q = 0.006), and provider greeting and engagement (+25 pp, q = 0.015), resulting in improved uptake of the pentavalent vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted, evidence-informed, clinical communication strategies significantly improved compliance with best practices and increased pentavalent vaccine uptake in children under 5 years. Continued community engagement, capacity-building, and integration of updated communication guidelines are essential for sustaining these improvements and ensuring continued uptake of the pentavalent vaccine among young children. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A630.