Understanding parents' use of a knowledge translation tool to manage children's vaccination pain

INTRODUCTION: Although several evidence-based strategies for managing children's vaccination pain exist, many parents report being unaware of them. Knowledge translation (KT) tools present evidence-based information in plain language. OBJECTIVES: This two-phase study assessed parents/caregivers' uptake of evidence-based pain management strategies via a KT tool and considered factors related to parents' planned, actual, and future use of these strategies. METHODS: In phase 1, parents were exposed to an online KT tool on physical, psychological, and pharmacological vaccination pain management strategies, and their impressions were assessed by questionnaires including the Information Assessment Method for Parents. In phase 2, after vaccination, parents completed a follow-up survey on their uptake and experiences using the information. RESULTS: A total of 312 participants reported their plans for KT tool use. Parents who found the KT tool relevant were more likely to plan to use it at their child's upcoming vaccination. A total of 128 parents (93% mothers) completed both surveys. Nearly all parents who planned to use the information did so during their child's subsequent vaccination (90%). When the KT tool was relevant to their needs, parents were more likely to use the information during their child's vaccination. Parents who felt confident using the tool were significantly more likely to report plans for future tool use. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a KT tool that was relevant to parents' needs and built confidence to increase parent-reported uptake of evidence-based strategies. Proper pain management could positively impact parents' uptake of vaccinations for children.