AUTHOR=Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Carini Elettra , Tognetto Alessia , Mancinelli Silvia , Sarnari Laura , Colamesta Vittoria , Ricciardi Walter , de Waure Chiara ,  The BRAVE Project Expert panel 

TITLE=Developing an Evidence-Based Tool for Planning and Evaluating Vaccination Strategies Aimed at Improving Coverage in Elderly and At-Risk Adult Population

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.658979

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.658979

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> Vaccination coverages need to be constantly maintained and improved with the implementation of vaccination strategies. This paper describes the development of an evidence-based tool to guide their planning and evaluation.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A scoping review was performed in MEDLINE and institutional websites to search for similar available tools. A first version of the tool was developed considering review results and a four-step method used for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products, namely the Deming cycle. A panel of eight experts was then involved in a Delphi study for the finalization of the tool that was eventually discussed in a face-to-face meeting.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> The scoping review found only one document and the first version of the tool was composed of 30 items. After the Delphi first round, 11 additional items were suggested and 5 original items amended. After the Delphi second round 41 items were eventually included. During the face-to-face meeting, 7 items were recognized as requisites for setting vaccination strategies, whereas 17 as relevant ones.</p><p><bold>Conclusions:</bold> Current public health challenges impose the need for evidence-based tools to organize effective vaccination strategies. Our tool is a first proposal which aims to reflect this focus.</p>