Implementation of a Continuing Education Course on HPV Vaccines To Improve Provider Confidence in Recommendations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to develop and deliver an evidence-based presentation for providers and staff at a south-central Arizona pediatric primary care clinic to improve provider and staff knowledge on HPV and self-efficacy and confidence to recommend the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Background: HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that is responsible for about 5% of all cancers and a majority of cervical cancers. The lack of a strong recommendation has been reported to be influenced by a healthcare provider's lack of self-efficacy and uncertainty about addressing raised parental concerns. Provider confidence level and knowledge of the HPV vaccine have been critical components in impacting the uptake of the vaccine. Continued Medical Education (CME) build on a provider’s previous education of the vaccine and educates and demonstrates how to communicate effectively to influence the uptake of the HPV vaccine Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project utilized a quantitative, one-group post-prequestionnaire design. A prerecorded education session was provided to 10 providers and staff at a pediatric primary care office in south central Arizona. The post-prequestionnaire was assessed to measure the impact of the educational session on provider and staff self-efficacy and confidence in recommending the HPV vaccine. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in provider and staff self-efficacy and confidence in recommending the HPV vaccine (p < 0.01) after the education intervention. Conclusion: The evidence-based safe sleep educational intervention effectively improved provider and staff self-efficacy and confidence for recommending the HPV vaccine.