Vaccine counseling: A content analysis of patient-physician discussions regarding human papilloma virus vaccine

Author Department

Pediatrics

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

10-1-2011

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: (1) Describe content and character of patient-physician human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine discussions; (2) explore the relationship between selected characteristics and vaccine uptake. METHODS: Content analyses were conducted on 184 transcripts of audio-taped patient encounters with 11-26 year old female patients that occurred from August 2008 to March 2009 and contained mention of the HPV vaccine. Directed qualitative content analysis sought to identify key themes with a focus on elements related to communication. Quantitative content analysis included determination of associations between selected factors (e.g., physician specialty, communication variables, patient age) and vaccination rates. RESULTS: Communication themes identified though qualitative content analysis demonstrated potential opportunities for improvement in vaccine communication were identified. Quantitative content analysis showed twenty-eight percent of eligible patients received HPV vaccine and on average these patients were younger (17.0 vs. 19.6 years). The youngest and oldest patients were vaccinated less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting age groups with lower vaccination rates may increase overall vaccine uptake. Additional quantitative analyses of patient-physician discussions about vaccine may generate further recommendations regarding optimal communication strategies for HPV vaccine counseling. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication ISSN

0884-8734

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