Although parental and clinician acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is high, uptake remains low. Little is known about the organisational and primary care team characteristics that influence HPV vaccine uptake. Interviews were performed with doctors, clinic support personnel, and parents of adolescent patients to better understand the interrelationships between people and the organisational processes that influence HPV vaccine uptake at the point of treatment. Semi-structured interviews with 40 participants in a primary care network were done. Organizational structures and processes such as computerised provider reminders, “vaccination only” appointments, and competent primary care team members all contributed to HPV vaccine uptake. Key informants consistently expressed strong support for HPV vaccination; however, rather than decline HPV vaccination, parents are choosing to postpone immunisation until a later visit. When parents expressed a desire to postpone, physicians and care team members frequently recommended discussing HPV vaccination at a later appointment, giving them the impression that having the vaccine was not time-sensitive for their kid.
Disagreements in HPV vaccine recommendations between clinicians and clinic support workers may contribute to HPV vaccine delays. All core team members must make strong, high-quality HPV vaccine recommendations. Clinic interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake may benefit from a team-based strategy in which every member of the primary care team delivers consistent information about the need of HPV immunisation on time.
Reference: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2019.1710410
