Interprofessional Instructional Design Strategies to Mitigate Vaccine Misinformation, Disinformation, and Mistrust

The abundance of medical misinformation and disinformation on the internet, particularly through social media, is a public health concern. Vaccine hesitancy exemplifies how myths and misperceptions driven by mis- and disinformation affect patient care and population health. Conversations about vaccine hesitancy are challenging but necessary, and an interprofessional, team approach can be effective and efficient. A successful outcome requires health workers to have a good working knowledge of vaccines and strong interpersonal skills. Interprofessional education (IPE) provides an opportunity to teach students the value of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), the implications mis- and disinformation have on patient care and public health, and how to approach conversations about vaccine hesitancy. Interprofessional instructional design strategies that can be used to equip health occupations students with the knowledge and skills they need include simulation-based learning, team-based learning, and gamification, with virtual and augmented reality on the horizon. While IPE is challenging, a thoughtfully designed educational program can prepare health occupations students for IPCP. This chapter intends to inform health professions educators on how to design and implement interprofessional learning experiences that equip future health workers with the knowledge and skills they need to address vaccine misinformation and disinformation.