Intersectorial methods are required to target vulnerable groups, including Medicaid participants, in order to minimise inequalities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage. This paper outlines a partnership on HPV vaccine involving Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), the American Cancer Society, and a state health agency in a Midwestern state. Key stakeholders from the three participating organisations were interviewed over the phone using an interview guide designed to capture the process of creating the partnership and delivering the HPV-focused initiative. Thematic analysis was used to code and transcribe the interviews. Participants’ incentive to engage, such as shared aims, and facilitators, such as pooled resources, were described by interviewees. They cited scheduling constraints and legal issues as obstacles. Overall, respondents expressed confidence that this initiative could be replicated.
The success of this project demonstrated the value of a common goal, good communication, and the complementing resources and experiences provided by each company. Important lessons regarding reaching the Medicaid population were learned, and the framework was established for future initiatives to serve vulnerable groups and minimise health inequalities. This study has important implications for other organisations looking to collaborate with big NGOs, state health authorities, MCOs, or others, and the lessons learnt from this initiative might be applied to other organisations striving to boost vaccination rates in their areas.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2019.1694814
