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Abigail L Wroe

Publications and source records attributed to Abigail L Wroe.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Feeling bad about immunising our children.

Uptake of MMR vaccinations is as low as 60% in some parts of the UK. This poses a serious public health issue. This longitudinal study investigates parental decisions about MMR and single vaccinations. Parents (n=114) rated their perceptions of the benefits and risks of immunisation, and emotion-related variables; and were followed up to ask their final immunisation decision. Analyses demonstrated that parental decisions were explained by emotion-related variables, specifically anticipated responsibility and regret. It was concluded that parents' decisions about MMR are strongly influenced by the idea than harm that occurs as a result of deciding to immunise (commission) is less acceptable than harm that occurs as a result of deciding not to immunise (omission) (known as 'omission bias').

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of a decision-making aid for parents regarding childhood immunizations.

This intervention study evaluates a decision-making aid for parents considering childhood immunizations. Participants (women in 3rd trimester of pregnancy, n = 100) rated likelihood of immunizing their child, anxiety, and perceptions of risk of the diseases and immunizations. Individuals were allocated to intervention group (received a decision aid) or control group (received standard care). Ratings were then repeated, and further ratings were obtained when the infant was 10 weeks old. The intervention compared with the comparison condition was associated with significant increase in likelihood of immunizing the infant on time, decreased perceptions of risks of immunizations, increased perceptions of risk of the diseases, reduced anxiety, and increased satisfaction. This intervention may form a useful basis for decision aids in health care settings.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Understanding and predicting parental decisions about early childhood immunizations.

This research investigated the factors that influence decisions about immunizations. Women in the third trimester of pregnancy (N=195) rated their likelihood of immunizing their child; stated their reasons for and against immunizing; and rated their perceptions of the benefits and risks of immunization, feelings of responsibility, and anticipated regret if harm occurred. Immunization status was determined at follow-up. Stepwise regression analyses demonstrated that immunization decisions are strongly influenced by omission bias factors such as anticipated responsibility and regret variance (which explained more than 50% of variance). It is suggested that parents may benefit from antenatal decision aids that address omission bias and encourage them to assess benefits and risks of immunizations on the basis of scientific evidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Shared decision-making, health choices and the menopause.

The growing influence of the mass media on public understanding of health care matters has increased both information and misinformation in patients seeking help with menopausal symptoms. The use of shared decision-making strategies provides the opportunity to engage the patient in taking some responsibility for their own treatment. It also allows the identification and correction of any distortions in the perceived balance of evidence for and against any particular treatment. Shared decision-making balances the need to respect patients' values and autonomy with the drive towards evidence-based medicine and clinical cost-effectiveness. Although ways of achieving such a balance are much discussed, the current need is for research which can identify effective strategies that allow the principles of "shared decision-making" and "evidence-based patient choice" to be validated and applied in clinical practice. Previous research focused on hormone replacement therapy indicates that the patient's decision is the outcome of the way they balance the pros and cons of taking (or not taking) it, and that their satisfaction with the decision is strongly associated with the perception that they have been given information about the full range of treatment available. It therefore seems likely that patients will respond more positively to consultations which include discussion of hormone replacement therapy alongside alternative strategies such as natural remedies and dietary/lifestyle changes. Psychological factors influencing treatment choice and the decision making process are discussed, and clinical and research implications for clinical practice in the menopause clinic examined.

Decision Making↗
PubMed2002

Intentional and unintentional nonadherence: a study of decision making.

Nonadherence to medical regimens is a major problem in health care. Distinguishing between intentional nonadherence (missing/altering doses to suit one's needs) and unintentional nonadherence (forgetting to take medication) may help in understanding nonadherence. Participants with respiratory conditions completed an anonymous questionnaire about (i) nonadherence; (ii) reasons for and against taking medications; and (iii) perceived style of the consultation in which their medication was first prescribed, as well as demographic and clinical variables. Consistent with the hypotheses, intentional nonadherence is predicted by the balance of individuals' reasons for and against taking medication as suggested by the Utility Theory, where these reasons include only those which the individual considers relevant and on which he/she focuses. Unintentional nonadherence is less strongly associated with decision balance, and more so with demographics. The research highlights the importance of (a) treating intentional and unintentional nonadherence as separate entities and (b) assessing individuals' idiosyncratic beliefs when considering intentional nonadherence.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Improving the selective neonatal BCG program.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the work was to develop and implement an improved selective neonatal Bacille-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine program in which neonates are systematically assessed, and those identified as at "high risk of being exposed to tuberculosis" are given neonatal BCG. DESIGN: Service models used in other parts of the country were assessed and their limitations and difficulties were carefully considered. Possible service models for local use were then considered. A selective neonatal BCG program involving universal neonatal screening was implemented. SAMPLE: A program was implemented offering BCG to high-risk neonates. RESULTS: As has been the case with other health trusts, developing a new neonatal BCG service met with obstacles and hurdles. Means of overcoming some of the difficulties are presented. Preliminary findings regarding the service model, including neonatal BCG uptake rates, were positive. CONCLUSION: A successful neonatal BCG program was implemented.

BCG Vaccine↗