Improving HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Knowledge and HPV Vaccination Rates via Virtual Workshops

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
• Primary care and dental trainees require enhanced knowledge and practices regarding HPV vaccination.
• Effective educational strategies are needed to improve HPV vaccine uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the efficacy of a virtual, interdisciplinary workshop.
• To improve HPV knowledge and vaccination practices among primary care and dental trainees.

Main Methods:

• A virtual, 1-hour interactive workshop was delivered to trainees.
• Pre- and post-workshop online surveys assessed knowledge and vaccination practices.
• Trainee vaccination rates were recorded before and after the workshop.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significantly improved HPV knowledge and comfort counseling on vaccination (p<0.05).
• Awareness of the HPV vaccine preventing OPSCC increased from 61% to 95%.
• HPV vaccine administration at the clinic increased by 123% within 5 months post-workshop (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Interactive virtual workshops are effective for improving HPV knowledge and vaccination practices.
• Virtual education facilitates knowledge transfer and multi-institutional collaboration for vaccination efforts.