Improving HPV Vaccine Compliance

Abstract

Introduction: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is known to cause genital warts and cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, penile, vaginal, and rectal cancers. There are vaccines available to prevent HPV infections. Primary prevention is our best strategy to combat the spread of HPV. Project Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to determine if a provider recommendation will increase human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine uptake in adolescents. Project Method: Using the Model for Improvement as the conceptual framework, the providers at a private pediatric practice were taught to use a presumptive presentation for HPV vaccine and co-administration with Tdap and meningococcal vaccine. This practice change required parents to opt out of HPV vaccine rather than opting into HPV vaccine. Providers also provided education on HPV and benefits of HPV vaccine to parents and adolescents. Data Collection and Analysis: Prior to initiation of the intervention, retrospective data was collected on HPV acceptance rate in the clinic. One month and two months after the introduction of the intervention, data was collected to determine if there was a significant change in HPV vaccine uptake. Data was obtained from the patients’ electronic medical records. Results: This quality improvement change determined that provider recommendation alone was not effective in increasing HPV vaccine acceptance with the addition of parental awareness measures, HPV compliance rate increased approximately 15%. Keywords: human papillomavirus, human papillomavirus vaccine, immunization, immunization rates, provider recommendation