Talking about human papillomavirus and cancer: protocol for a patient-centred study to develop scripted consultations

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Communication

Background:

• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers.
• HPV is a common, asymptomatic infection poorly understood by the public.
• Patients with HPV-related cancers have unique information needs due to HPV's natural history and sexual transmission stigma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test cancer site-specific scripted consultations for patients with HPV-related cancers.
• To address the lack of guidance for counseling patients with HPV-related cancers.
• To improve patient understanding and information access regarding HPV and related cancers.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of information-based interventions and clinician interviews informed provisional messages.
• Three phases of patient interviews (n=75-90) used card-sorting and cognitive interviewing to select, refine, and test messages.
• Cancer site-specific scripts were developed and tested for acceptability and usefulness.

Main Results:

• Provisional messages were refined based on patient input regarding salience, phrasing, and usefulness.
• Patient-centered, cancer site-specific scripted consultations were developed.
• The final product is a two-sided information sheet adaptable for web-based use.

Conclusions:

• Scripted consultations can effectively address the complex information needs of patients with HPV-related cancers.
• This resource can improve communication between clinicians and patients regarding HPV and cancer.
• The developed materials are practical, adaptable, and ready for dissemination.