Evaluating the impact of pharmacist-delivered educational intervention on the willingness to receive HPV vaccine in a dental clinic in New York

Abstract

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States, accounting for 70% of new diagnoses. An estimated 90% of newly diagnosed HPV-attributed cancer cases could be preventable with HPV vaccination before exposure, given that the vaccine is 100% effective for at least 12 years. Collaboration between dentists and pharmacists to enhance patient-centered care and vaccine education holds considerable potential to increase HPV vaccine rates among persons aged 9-26 years. Current literature exploring interprofessional collaboration between dentists and pharmacists suggests this partnership may address gaps in patient care, although examples of HPV vaccine initiatives are limited.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the impact of screening dental patients’ HPV vaccine status and providing pharmacist-led education and counseling on the intent of patients or guardians to receive the HPV vaccine.

Methods

Approved by the institutional review board, a cross-sectional prospective review of patients was conducted at a dental clinic. Patients aged 18-26 years and those aged 9-17 with consenting guardians who had not received the HPV vaccine, verified via the New York State Immunization Information System, were included. Enrolled participants received pharmacist-led education and counseling on HPV and the vaccine, including an educational handout. After the intervention, participants were surveyed to assess their interest in receiving the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis used a 1-sample proportion test.

Results

A total of 67 patients and guardians were approached after prospective review, 32 agreed to participate, 13 were excluded, and a total of 19 were enrolled in the study. After pharmacist intervention, the proportion of participants’ intent to receive the HPV vaccine was 0.895 (P < .001; 95% CI, 0.76–1.00).

Conclusion

Screening dental patients’ HPV vaccine status, paired with pharmacist-delivered HPV education and HPV vaccine counseling, may positively affect unvaccinated patients’ or guardians’ intent to receive the HPV vaccine.