Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, is linked to cervical, anal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite its impact, only 16% of women aged 27-45 have received an HPV vaccine dose, partly due to recent vaccine recommendation changes. This project aimed to improve HPV knowledge and vaccination rates among women in this age group at a private obstetrics and gynecology practice in Southwestern Indiana.
METHODS: Targeting unvaccinated women aged 27-45, this quality improvement initiative (January–April 2024) provided verbal education on HPV and assessed patient knowledge via a Likert scale survey. Staff received training on vaccine assessment and patient education, with pre- and post-tests measuring knowledge retention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
INTERVENTION: The project featured direct patient education, informational materials, and staff training on vaccine education at point-of-care. Staff participation in patient education was tracked, and patient feedback on hesitancy was collected.
RESULTS: Addressing gaps in the nursing literature on the Pender Health Promotion Model to boost HPV education, broader educational efforts led to a 103% increase in overall HPV vaccinations, with 221 women immunized. Survey results showed 66% reported increased knowledge, suggesting a need for more targeted strategies. Feedback indicated low perceived risk as the main barrier, highlighting the importance of tailored provider engagement. Staff training and materials enhanced practice awareness. The estimated financial gain from increased vaccination was $6,961, with potential annual revenue of $20,884, indicating both public health and economic benefits.
CONCLUSION: This project underscores the essential role patient and provider education as key in raising HPV vaccination rates among women aged 27-45. Despite hesitancy challenges, targeted engagement and optimized workflows can significantly boost uptake. Implications extend beyond individual health, offering a model for systematic change in healthcare practices that can positively impact public health goals. Sustaining these efforts will require continued monitoring and collaboration among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations.
Sigma Membership
Omicron Psi
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Primary Care, Human Papillomavirus, HPV, Vaccine Uptake
Recommended Citation
Wakefield, Michelle, "Increasing HPV Education and Vaccination Uptake in Women Aged 27-45: A Clinic Based Approach" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 130.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/130
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Increasing HPV Education and Vaccination Uptake in Women Aged 27-45: A Clinic Based Approach
Seattle, Washington, USA
BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, is linked to cervical, anal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite its impact, only 16% of women aged 27-45 have received an HPV vaccine dose, partly due to recent vaccine recommendation changes. This project aimed to improve HPV knowledge and vaccination rates among women in this age group at a private obstetrics and gynecology practice in Southwestern Indiana.
METHODS: Targeting unvaccinated women aged 27-45, this quality improvement initiative (January–April 2024) provided verbal education on HPV and assessed patient knowledge via a Likert scale survey. Staff received training on vaccine assessment and patient education, with pre- and post-tests measuring knowledge retention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
INTERVENTION: The project featured direct patient education, informational materials, and staff training on vaccine education at point-of-care. Staff participation in patient education was tracked, and patient feedback on hesitancy was collected.
RESULTS: Addressing gaps in the nursing literature on the Pender Health Promotion Model to boost HPV education, broader educational efforts led to a 103% increase in overall HPV vaccinations, with 221 women immunized. Survey results showed 66% reported increased knowledge, suggesting a need for more targeted strategies. Feedback indicated low perceived risk as the main barrier, highlighting the importance of tailored provider engagement. Staff training and materials enhanced practice awareness. The estimated financial gain from increased vaccination was $6,961, with potential annual revenue of $20,884, indicating both public health and economic benefits.
CONCLUSION: This project underscores the essential role patient and provider education as key in raising HPV vaccination rates among women aged 27-45. Despite hesitancy challenges, targeted engagement and optimized workflows can significantly boost uptake. Implications extend beyond individual health, offering a model for systematic change in healthcare practices that can positively impact public health goals. Sustaining these efforts will require continued monitoring and collaboration among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations.
Description
This initiative aimed to increase HPV vaccination rates in women aged 27-45 by enhancing patient and provider knowledge within an OB-GYN practice. Through direct education, materials, and staff training, the project resulted in a 103% vaccination increase and revealed low perceived risk as a primary barrier. With a demonstrated public health impact and significant financial benefits, this project provides a sustainable model for systematic vaccination improvement in healthcare settings.