Knowledge and Attitudes of Ontario Pediatricians Related to Existing and New Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Products: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

New RSV prevention products show strong potential, but their success depends on wide acceptance and use. We assessed Ontario pediatricians' knowledge and attitudes about these products before their introduction to highlight opportunities and barriers.

METHODS

In March-April 2024, Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario newsletter subscribers (n = 1566) were invited to complete an online survey on RSV knowledge and attitudes. Descriptive analyses with a complete-case approach assessed responses.

RESULTS

Of 117 responses (7% response rate), we retained 104 confirmed as from pediatricians with complete demographic data, including 81% (84/104) general pediatricians and 19% (20/104) subspecialists. Most worked in primary care (40%; 42/104), community hospitals (32%; 33/104), and urban centers (63%; 65/104), and had ≥ 10 years' experience (81%; 83/104). They had high awareness of provincial recommendations (91%; 94/103) and knowledge of severe RSV disease risk factors (Figure 2). While 83% (82/99) always recommended palivizumab to eligible patients, only 34% (34/99) reported that all eligible patients always received it. Over 90% were likely to recommend nirsevimab (91%; 89/98), but 66% (65/98) expected to administer it. Top anticipated barriers included the introduction of a new product (69%; 25/36) and concern for adverse effects (69%; 41/59). The likelihood of recommending a maternal vaccine over nirsevimab was 45% (44/98), while 44% (43/98) were neutral.

CONCLUSION

Ontario pediatricians were knowledgeable and supportive of RSV prevention products. However, they have experienced barriers with palivizumab, and they anticipated barriers with nirsevimab and the maternal RSV vaccine. As other jurisdictions look to implement new RSV prevention products, acknowledging and addressing anticipated barriers may promote acceptance and use.