Human Papillomavirus Knowledge and Communication Skills: A Role-Play Activity for Providers.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated cancers pose significant global health risks.
• Routine HPV vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 9-12 years, yet clinician-parent communication presents challenges.
• Barriers include parental beliefs, recommendation quality, provider knowledge, and comfort discussing sensitive topics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive workshop in enhancing clinicians' skills for recommending the HPV vaccine.
• To assess improvements in knowledge, communication abilities, and confidence levels regarding HPV vaccination.

Main Methods:

• An interactive workshop incorporating role-play (pre- and post-didactic sessions) and a 30-minute lecture was implemented.
• Participants completed pre- and post-intervention self-assessments of knowledge and skills.
• Twenty-eight pediatric residents and medical students participated in the study.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in participants' ability to recommend the HPV vaccine post-intervention (p < .02).
• Learner knowledge increased from 34% to 100% (p < .0025).
• Self-perceived comfort and confidence levels rose from 3.6 to 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale (p < .0001).

Conclusions:

• An interactive workshop effectively improved participants' knowledge, communication skills, and confidence in discussing HPV vaccines.
• The workshop provides a practical approach to enhance healthcare providers' skills in promoting HPV vaccination to parents.