ASPO Abstracts
Qualitative Program Evaluation: What program practices and information promote pediatric HPV vaccination?
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Vaccination with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been suboptimal inTexas. Therefore, a program utilizing patient navigators (PNs) was introduced to increase vaccination ofpatients at 2 pediatric clinics. The purpose of this study was to identify program practices and information that promotedpediatric HPV vaccination.Methods: We collected information on socio-demographics and conducted semi-structuredinterviews with 23 caregivers whose children participated in the HPV vaccine program over the phone.Participants included caretakers who had participated in discussions with PNs or clinic providers about the HPVvaccine, and who had a child that received a vaccine in one of the participating clinics. We asked parents tocomment on what barriers they faced related to HPV vaccination, and how the program helped to overcome them.Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Nvivo software was used to code themes found in the data.Results: Solutions to barriers which were found to be helpful included: appointmentscheduling, appointment reminders, help with cost, and getting information about the vaccine. Caretakers oftenmentioned that they would not have completed the vaccine series without the program. They appreciated that theycould get the vaccine regardless of their child’s insurance status. Caretakers appreciated having someone to askquestions about the vaccine, and mentioned pamphlets that were passed out by the PNs often. Caretakers alsomentioned specific interventions included in the program. For example, many said that without beingapproached, they wouldn’t have known that the vaccine was available or that their child was eligible. They alsoappreciated discussions about vaccine effectiveness and. However, some caretakers still felt that there was not enoughresearch, and misconceptions about the vaccine persisted, particularly among caretakers whose childrendid not complete the HPV vaccine series. Conclusions: Overall, the PN program was perceived as a positive addition to the clinic byparents. They felt that it addressed barriers that they faced when trying to get their children vaccinated. Thisfeedback shows that parents value this program.
Keywords: patient navigation,cancer prevention, program evaluation, HPV vaccination