Examining the role of patient-centered communication in COVID-19 vaccine uptake

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy is a major public health challenge, particularly during the COVID‑19 pandemic, undermining vaccine uptake and threatening population immunity. Institutional distrust is a key determinant of vaccine hesitancy. Patient-centered communication (PCC) may foster institutional trust and promote vaccine uptake, yet its mechanisms are not fully understood. Building on our proposed dual pathways model, this study aims to explore the underlying process of how PCC directly shapes COVID-19 vaccine uptake, related beliefs, and attitudes, and indirectly shapes these outcomes through trust in health authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Methods Using quota sampling, an online cross-sectional survey of 759 Hong Kong adult residents with recent consultations with healthcare professionals (mean age = 39.47; 53.5% female) was conducted. A parallel mediation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS macro Model 4 with bootstrapping. Results PCC was positively and significantly associated with vaccine uptake, perceived personal and social benefits, and favorable vaccination attitudes. It was also positively linked to trust in health authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed significant indirect associations between PCC and all vaccination outcomes through trust in health authorities; similarly, significant indirect associations between PCC and all vaccination outcomes were observed via trust in pharmaceutical companies. Conclusion PCC promotes vaccine uptake through direct health decision-making partnership building with healthcare professionals and indirect trust-building in health authorities and pharmaceutical companies. Equipping healthcare professionals with PCC competencies and mobilizing PCC-competent healthcare professionals in vaccination campaigns are likely to enhance vaccine uptake.