Utilizing Communication Techniques To Increase Self-Efficacy In HPV Vaccine Recommendation Among Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement project will evaluate the use of an educational intervention focusing on two therapeutic communication techniques and their effects on provider and staff self-efficacy towards HPV vaccine recommendationsBackground: HPV-associated diseases and cancers continue to inflict a major burden in the United States. FDA-approved vaccines have been available since 2006 and can prevent over 90 percent of related cancers. Contrary to well-established guidelines and a highly efficacious vaccine, HPV vaccination remains well below the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. Strong provider recommendation is the greatest predictor of vaccine uptake, yet inconsistent recommendations are still at the forefront of HPV vaccine practice. Studies have found that providers lack self-efficacy on how to properly counsel parents on this topic. Data suggests education detailing communication strategies may enhance provider and staff self-efficacy in their vaccination behaviors. Methods: Providers and staff in a pediatric clinic were recruited to participate in a three-week intervention involving education on presumptive approach and motivational interviewing (MI) techniques. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire prior to, immediately post-intervention, and three weeks post-intervention. The principal director (PD) led the 40 minute in-service at the clinic site. Two emails were sent succeeding the in-service containing information on the communication techniques to prompt further learning. Results: A total of five participants attended the education session and provided pre and post-survey responses. At the end of week three, only two participants completed the post-post survey including the open-ended questions allowing feedback for future use. Means of central tendency were evaluated for each question and descriptive statistics yielded a positive impact on self-efficacy, behaviors and attitudes towards the vaccine, and perceptions of the communication strategies. Conclusions: Positive changes in self-efficacy scores, behaviors towards the HPV vaccine, and perceptions towards the communication strategies were the desired and achieved outcomes. This was evidenced by positive changes in means of central tendency. Future implications more in-depth training and educational materials, a longer intervention period to assess the project’s sustained effects, and HPV vaccine rates pre-and post-intervention.