Characterizing safety-net providers’ HPV vaccine recommendations to undecided parents: A pilot study

L. Aubree Shay, Richard L. Street, Austin S. Baldwin, Emily G. Marks, Simon Craddock Lee, Robin T. Higashi, Celette Sugg Skinner, Sobha Fuller, Donna Persaud, Jasmin A. Tiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Although provider recommendation is a key predictor of HPV vaccination, how providers verbalize recommendations particularly strong ones is unknown. We developed a tool to describe strength and content of provider recommendations. Methods We used electronic health records to identify unvaccinated adolescents with appointments at six safety-net clinics in Dallas, Texas. Clinic visit audio-recordings were qualitatively analyzed to identify provider recommendation types (presumptive vs. participatory introduction; strong vs. weak), describe content communicated, and explore patterns between recommendation type and vaccination. Results We analyzed 43 audio-recorded discussions between parents and 12 providers. Most providers used a participatory introduction (42 discussions) and made weak recommendations (24 discussions) by using passive voice or adding a qualification (e.g., not school required). Few providers (11 discussions) gave strong recommendations (clear, personally-owned endorsement). HPV vaccination was lowest for those receiving only weak recommendations and highest when providers coupled the recommendation with an adjacent rationale. Conclusion Our new tool provides initial evidence of how providers undercut their recommendations through qualifications or support them with a rationale. Most providers gave weak HPV vaccine recommendations and used a participatory introduction. Practice implications Providers would benefit from communication skills training on how to make explicit recommendations with an evidence-based rationale.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1452-1460
Number of pages9
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume99
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016

Keywords

  • HPV vaccination
  • Patient-provider communication
  • Provide recommendation
  • Qualitative analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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