Perceived safety, usability, and acceptability of microarray patches for vaccination among key populations: A mixed methods study

Introduction: Vaccination is crucial for public and population health. Microarray patches (MAPs) could enhance vaccine uptake through reduced pain, no needles, improved thermostability and self or lay administration, but there is limited evidence. We aimed to investigate the perceptions of the general public and healthcare professionals (HCPs) aged 18 years and older about MAP vaccination. Methods: This mixed-methods study was part of a project to validate a scale measuring MAP vaccination's safety, usability, and acceptability. Online surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand. 7-point Likert scale items were scaled from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree” and analysed using descriptive statistics (e.g., means and confidence intervals (CI)). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: In the survey group, 403 general public and 184 HCPs responded. We interviewed 27 participants (12 general public and 15 HCPs). The general public and HCPs perceived MAPs as safe and efficacious, with means of 5.00 (95 % CI: 4.85–5.14) and 4.92 (95 % CI: 4.71–5.12) respectively. The general public (mean = 5.58, 95 % CI: 5.46–5.70) and HCPs (mean = 5.75, 95 % CI: 5.59–5.92) perceived MAPs as usable. Lastly, the general public (mean = 5.49, 95 % CI: 5.37–5.61) and HCPs (mean = 5.30, 95 % CI: 5.12–5.50) perceived MAPs as acceptable. Participants widely perceived MAPs as safe and easy to use due to their ‘straightforward’ instructions, including for self-administration. All participants regarded MAPs as advantageous for children and needle-phobic individuals. Some HCPs were concerned about possible adverse events at home (i.e., anaphylaxis), but were interested in incorporating MAPs in their clinical practice. Conclusion: Microarray patches (MAPs) MAPs are viewed by the general public and HCPs as safe, user-friendly, and well-received as alternatives to needle and syringe vaccination for greater acceptability among consumers. MAPS may also improve access to vaccination in priority populations and areas with limited resources.