ABSTRACT
Background. Due to patient hesitancy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination initiative, the public needs accurate and timely education that encourages partnership with medical professionals. Methods. This study assessed the impact of online patient/caregiver education on knowledge, confidence and intent to act. The educational intervention consisted of 4 activities published on a dedicated COVID-19 learning center on WebMD Education portal from April-May, 2021. The activities were comprised of text and integrated visuals, with 3 of the activities being further customized with a patient or healthcare professional (HCP) video commentary. Demographic questions were asked prior to each activity. Knowledge questions were asked both before and after to assess learning gains. Intent to change and confidence questions were asked at the end of each activity. Absolute improvements were calculated for pre/post questions. An initial data pull was conducted on 6/7/2021 for the purpose of this , and data for the complete analysis will be collected until approximately 8/7/21. Results. To date, 14,911 learners (3,579) of which responded to the pre/post questions) have participated in the activities, and have demonstrated improvements in knowledge and high levels of confidence and intent to act (Figure). Activity 1: COVID-19 Vaccines: Covering the Basics. Demographics (n=155): 50% male;41% White, non-Hispanic, 30% Asian;52% over the age of 54. Activity 2: Understanding the Why, Who, and When of COVID-19 Vaccines. Demographics (n=2,325): 66% female;51% White, non-Hispanic, 18% Asian;54% over the age of 54. Activity 3: What to Expect When You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine. Demographics (n=500): 66% female;49% White, non-Hispanic, 22% Asian;56% over the age of 54. Activity 4: What Have You Heard about Herd Immunity and COVID-19. Demographics (n=599): 63% female;53% White, non-Hispanic, 25% Asian;53% over the age of 54. Results. (Table Presented) Conclusion. The metrics and outcomes gathered in this assessment are a strong indicator that online patient/caregiver activities on WebMD Education improved knowledge and confidence and prompted intent to act related to COVID-19 vaccines. These findings highlight the potential for well-designed online education to overcome vaccine related challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Limiting warming to well below 2 degrees C requires rapid and complete decarbonisation of energy systems. We compare economy-wide modelling of 1.5 degrees C and 2 degrees C scenarios with sector-focused analyses of four critical sectors that are difficult to decarbonise: aviation, shipping, road freight transport, and industry. We develop and apply a novel framework to analyse and track mitigation progress in these sectors. We find that emission reductions in the 1.5 degrees C and 2 degrees C scenarios of the IMAGE model come from deep cuts in CO2 intensities and lower energy intensities, with minimal demand reductions in these sectors' activity. We identify a range of additional measures and policy levers that are not explicitly captured in modelled scenarios but could contribute significant emission reductions. These are demand reduction options, and include less air travel (aviation), reduced transportation of fossil fuels (shipping), more locally produced goods combined with high load factors (road freight), and a shift to a circular economy (industry). We discuss the challenges of reducing demand both for economy-wide modelling and for policy. Based on our sectoral analysis framework, we suggest modelling improvements and policy recommendations, calling on the relevant UN agencies to start tracking mitigation progress through monitoring key elements of the framework (CO2 intensity, energy efficiency, and demand for sectoral activity, as well as the underlying drivers), as a matter of urgency. Key policy insights Four critical sectors (aviation, shipping, road freight, and industry) cannot cut their CO2 emissions to zero rapidly with technological supply-side options alone. Without large-scale negative emissions, significant demand reductions for those sectors' activities are needed to meet the 1.5-2 degrees C goal. Policy priorities include affordable alternatives to frequent air travel;smooth connectivity between low-carbon travel modes;speed reductions in shipping and reduced demand for transporting fossil fuels;distributed manufacturing and local storage;and tightening standards for material use and product longevity. The COVID-19 crisis presents a unique opportunity to enact lasting CO2 emissions reductions, through switching from frequent air travel to other transport modes and online interactions. Policies driving significant demand reductions for the critical sectors' activities would reduce reliance on carbon removal technologies that are unavailable at scale.