Toward Optimal Communication About HPV Vaccination for Preteens and Their Parents: Evaluation of an Online Training for Pediatric and Family Medicine Health Care Providers

Abstract

Objective: Health care provider recommendation is a key determinant of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. We developed an online training program for providers that addressed vaccine guidelines, hesitancy to strongly recommend the vaccine, and reluctance to discuss HPV infection as a sexually transmitted infection. Design: Single-group evaluation with 3 waves. Providers completed a 29-item electronic survey with closed and open-ended response options after course completion. Setting: Pediatric and family medicine practices in North Carolina. Participants: Prescribing clinicians (MD, DO, family nurse practitioner, physician assistant) who serve preteens aged 11 to 12 years. In wave 3, we expanded our communities to include nursing and medical staff. Intervention: An asynchronous online course to promote preteen HPV vaccination. Topics included HPV epidemiology, vaccine recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), preteen-provider-parent communication, topics about hesitancy to seek vaccination, subjects related to sexual health, and practice-level strategies to increase vaccination rates. The course, approved for 12 CME and CNE credits, was live for 4 weeks and available on-demand for 3 additional months. Main Outcome Measures: Provider-reported change in vaccine communication, perceptions of course content in improving practice, and satisfaction with materials. Results: A total of 113 providers from 25 practices enrolled in the course and 69 (61%) completed an evaluation. Providers spent an average of 6.3 hours on the course and rated the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)-ACIP Web site and multiple resources on hesitancy and communication about sexually transmitted infection vaccines most highly of all materials across the 3 waves. Almost all (96%) agreed the course will improve their practice. About half of all participants said they were either “much more likely” (28%) or “more likely” (19%) to recommend the vaccine after course participation. Conclusions: An online format offers a highly adaptable and acceptable educational tool that promotes interpersonal communication and practice-related changes known to improve providers' vaccine uptake by their patients.

Factors that Influence Healthcare Provider Recommendation of HPV Vaccination

“…Educational interventions have shown no differences in communication self-efficacy by specialty (pediatric or family medicine) or training (MD/DO or PA/family NP or RN), though PAs and family NPs were more engaged in course content. 40 Our findings as well as findings from others studies suggest vaccination promotion and training interventions should include a variety of HCP types and specialties involved in vaccination, including non-pediatric and nonphysician providers.…”

Assessment of training of general practice interns in motivational interviews about vaccination

“…An online format has proven to be a highly adaptable and acceptable educational tool. 56 However, as expressed by the interns in our study, they expect more in-person training and role-playing. Training could therefore be developed that combines face-to-face role-playing and e-learning/webinar sessions.…”

Child Maltreatment Prevention: Essentials for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

“…Primary prevention interventions can be easily integrated into routine patient care without a substantial increase in time of care. Parents listen to and seek advice from their child's health care provider (Cates et al, 2020). PNPs often have positive, secure relationships with families-characterized by trust and respect (Hornor et al, 2020).…”