JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. High-risk HPV strains are associated with cancer of the cervix, oropharynx, anus, rectum, penis, vagina, and vulva. To combat increasing HPV related cancers, the 9 –valent HPV vaccine Gardasil was developed. Recommendation of the HPV vaccine by a healthcare provider has been cited as the number one factor affecting vaccine uptake among adolescents and young adults. Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Pharmacists have been enlisted to bridge the gap.

Objective:

Therefore, the specific aim of this research study was to develop a reliable and valid HPV vaccine communication scale that can be used to measure the competency of primary care providers when recommending the need for vaccination to parents and patients.

Methods:

Using a descriptive study, data was collected via a literature review, focus groups, and expert panel to inform the scale domains and blueprint design. Pre-testing (cognitive interviews) was employed to inform item revision decisions. An item analysis was also conducted for the responses provided in the cognitive interviews. Item statistics (means and standard deviations), inter-item correlations and reliability were examined. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

A valid and reliable 42 item HPV vaccine communication competency scale was developed. The scale included 7 domains of interest. Scale items were moderately to strongly correlated with one another and Cronbach's alpha indicated good internal consistency with each scale. Scale items included were related to Provider Introduction/ Rapport (α = 0.796), Patient Respect/ Empathy (α =0.737), Provider Interview/Intake (α = 0.9), Patient Counseling/ Education (α = 0.935)., Provider Communication Closure (α = 0.896), and Provider Knowledge (α = 0.824).

Conclusions:

Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants should be trained to be competent in HPV vaccine communication and recommendation due to their expanded roles. Interdisciplinary collaboration is important to account for trainee's individual differences and ensure the best healthcare outcomes for patients. A standardized HPV communication scale can be used to ensure effective and consistent recommendation by healthcare providers; thus, impacting immunization rates.