How to Overcome Barriers to Information and Communication on HPV Vaccination? A Swot Analysis Based on the Opinions of Practicing Clinicians

Hüsna Sarıca Çevik, Ayşe Gülsen Ceyhun Peker, Süleyman Görpelioğlu, Shlomo Vinker, Mehmet Ungan

Keywords: Communication, HPV, SWOT, Vaccination

Background:

Advice given with effective communication skills from clinicians is a powerful motivation for young people to get the HPV vaccination and for their parents to beat vaccine hesitancy.

Research questions:

1-Considering the target age group, which strategies need to improve in interpersonal communication skills of GPs when speaking with youth and their parents? Which messages have the most significant impact on vaccination decisions?
2-What is(are) missing about HPV vaccination in clinical practice? What are the risks/benefits and recommendations for improving strategies to provide clinicians with the necessary tools for HPV vaccination practice?
3-Which strategies can be followed for educating primary care clinicians on HPV immunisation?

Method:

A SWOT analysis workout with clinicians will be performed through a web-based form as part of the EU co-funded “PROTECT-EUROPE project” coordinated by the European Cancer Organisation. There are 33 outstanding organisations from 16 countries, including WONCA Europe, in this consortium. One of the main focuses of this project is to improve one-to-one communication regarding HPV vaccination between clinicians and young people and their parents/carers to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to have the best possible conversations with their target population.
Ethical committee approval has been obtained, and a data-gathering form has been prepared.

Results:

The SWOT analysis results, determining communication gaps from the eyes of GPs/FDs who are members of the EGPRN, are planned to be published and shared with our European members to support them in improving the practice. The results are expected to raise awareness in all but especially among those with low vaccination rates in WONCA Europe member countries. No result is available yet.

Conclusions:

EGPRN members from all over Europe will be instrumental in achieving the goal of putting practice into prevention.

Points for discussion:

Most effective method for acceptance of the HPV vaccination: for clinicians, parents, and young people

Strongest and most convincing communication methods in HPV vaccine acceptance

Opportunities to establish proper communication, which may increase vaccine acceptance upon recommendation for vaccination