Importance of a team approach to recommending the human papillomavirus vaccination

Background and purpose: Few studies have examined human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine communication in the context of the health care team. Methods: In 2016, the investigators conducted a national, online survey of U.S. parents who reported having discussed HPV vaccination with their adolescent’s health care team. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between HPV vaccine initiation ($1 dose) and having: 1) discussed HPV vaccination with multiple team members and 2) received congruent recommendations about HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Of the 795 parents in the sample, about half (52%) reported discussing HPV vaccination with multiple team members, including nurse practitioners, nurses, and physicians. Most reported receiving congruent recommendations for (76%) or against (12%) HPV vaccination; few (12%) received mixed recommendations. Parents who discussed HPV vaccination with multiple team members had greater odds of series initiation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.61–3.40), whereas those who received mixed versus congruent recommendations for HPV vaccination had lower odds of vaccination (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.95). Implications for practice: Findings suggest that a coordinated team approach to recommendations may encourage HPV vaccination. Nurse practitioners are well positioned to facilitate coordination efforts within their clinical practices.