Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in the United States are inadequate, necessitating creative collaborations between community and clinical organisations to address this issue. To promote HPV vaccination, a comprehensive study of HPV-related community-clinical linkages (CCLs) was undertaken to understand their components, procedures, and results. Investigators from the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) used an iterative, case study method to investigate CCLs in their communities. Representatives from the community organisation and the healthcare environment provided information on nine CCLs on HPV vaccination. Data was analysed and interpreted using thematic content analysis. Five exemplified clinically oriented integration, in which engagement takes place in the community but vaccination delivery and follow-up take place in the clinical environment. 

The primary drive was the need to enhance HPV vaccination and the community’s significant interest in cancer prevention. A dedicated person to support the CCL and financing were identified as essential components. The findings will be used to drive HPV vaccine promotion, education, and intervention activities. CCLs allow researchers to investigate the adaptation, integration, and refinement of evidence-based methods to increase HPV vaccination.

Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2019.1616501

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