The HPV Vaccination Project: HPV Vaccination Following Pediatric Sexual Abuse

Abstract

The nonavalent human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination prophylactically contributes to the prevention of nine types of HPV associated with vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal, labial, cervical and penile cancers. Rates of HPV vaccination remain significantly lower than the national Healthy People 2020 goal of 80%. The utilization of medical encounters outside of the well child evaluation as an opportunity to vaccinate has been cited in the literature as a possible method of positively impacting HPV vaccination rates. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve HPV vaccination rates in eligible children at the time of the medical evaluation following concerns for a history of pediatric sexual abuse by recommending, offering and administering HPV vaccination to this high risk population. During the 60-day intervention, data was analyzed compared to similar information collected during a 60-day pre-intervention period. Project outcomes included acknowledgement of 22 missed opportunities to vaccinate during the pre-intervention period. Eight HPV vaccines were administered to NCIR eligible patients (N=21) during the 60-day intervention period. Sixty-two percent (n=5) of the vaccinations administered were initiated the HPV vaccine series and sixty-three percent were to younger adolescents, ages nine to 12 years of age (n=5). The primary barrier to vaccination during the intervention included appointment no-shows (n=8). Additional nursing implications guided by the eight American Association of Colleges of Nursing DNP essentials are explored and discussed.