Implementing a Proactive Approach to Communicate and Teach About HPV Vaccination in Pharmacies: IMPACT HPV Study

Summary

This clinical trial compares usual care to interpersonal communication training and vaccination workflow training, alone or in combination, for improving communication about and recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) and other vaccinations in pharmacies. Low HPV vaccination in the United States has placed unvaccinated children at risk of developing cancers as adults that could have been prevented. Pharmacies can be convenient for vaccination because they are open longer hours, have shorter wait times, can see patients without appointments and may cost less. However, many people are not aware that vaccination is available in pharmacies and some pharmacies lack the commitment from staff to vaccinate or may not have protocols in place for vaccination. Proactive communication approaches to recommending HPV vaccination have been shown to be effective in medical offices but have not been tested in the pharmacy setting. Interpersonal communication training incorporates the 5 A's (assess, advice, agree, assist and arrange) behavioral counseling framework to strongly recommend HPV and other vaccines and effectively answer any questions or concerns about vaccination. Vaccination workflow training establishes vaccination decision support strategies that pharmacies use to improve vaccination workflows. Interpersonal communication training and vaccination workflow training alone or in combination may improve communication and recommendations for HPV vaccination and increase HPV vaccination in pharmacies.

Description