Date of Degree

12-2018

Document Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Holly Dileo

Advisor

George Barajaz

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection in America. College-aged students are a high-risk group for HPV transmission, but their HPV vaccination rates are low. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to implement an HPV vaccination program at a health science center university student health clinic to increase vaccination rates to meet the guidelines of the American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The objectives of this project were as follows: 1) to educate providers and staff on the importance of the HPV vaccine; 2) to increase HPV vaccine recommendations to students by providers and staff; 3) to increase the HPV vaccination rate among students offered the vaccine; and 4) to increase the vaccination rate among all eligible students. Prior to implementation, 100% of staff were educated on the HPV vaccination guideline, resulting in a 33% improvement in test scores between pre- and post-tests. Of 205 student visits, 10.7% were recommended the vaccine. Sixty-four percent of students who were offered the vaccine accepted the immunization. The overall clinic vaccination rate post-implementation was 4.5%. Limitations of the project included staffing issues, problems with staff completing the education in a timely manner, providers’ perceptions of time constraints, students not remembering their HPV vaccine status, and a lack of knowledge around insurance coverage for the vaccine. The vaccination of even one previously unimmunized student can slow the spread of HPV; therefore, this project affected practice and patient outcomes through implementation of an HPV vaccination program, increasing HPV vaccination rates in an at-risk population.

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