Effect of educative reminder telephone calls on human papillomavirus immunization rate: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Context: Human papillomavirus coverage varies widely among women depending on their race, incomes, geographical location and education level. Objective: To evaluate whether reminder educative phone calls increase human papillomavirus vaccination rates in adult women aged 18–45 with high-risk factors of cervical cancer. Design: We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial in patients who consulted at a Canadian tertiary center in October 2019 during National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. Interventions: We randomized women to receive three standardized educative phone calls or standard care. Main outcome measure: We assessed the immunization rate at 6 months. Results: A total of 130 patients were randomized of which 62 patients were randomized to the intervention. Eight patients (15.4%) got immunized at 6 months in the intervention group as compared to seven (11.7%) in the control group (p = 0.5645). The main barrier to vaccination reported by non-immunized patients at 6 months was the cost of vaccination (42.3%). Conclusion: Reminder educative phone calls did not increase human papillomavirus vaccination rates in adult women with risk factors of cervical cancer. ISRCTN registration number: ISRCTN58518971

Characteristics of immunisation support programmes in Canada: a scoping review and environmental scan

“…For example, cooperation and communication between schools and day cares in offering a programme40 41 and among government departments, research networks and the media42–45 may promote programme success. In one programme,46 participants obtained prescriptions for a vaccine which were often lost. This programme used a direct transfer between clinician and pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of vaccine prescriptions becoming lost and promoting programme completion from education to vaccination 46…”

“…In one programme,46 participants obtained prescriptions for a vaccine which were often lost. This programme used a direct transfer between clinician and pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of vaccine prescriptions becoming lost and promoting programme completion from education to vaccination 46…”

“…Barriers posed by public health restrictions in previous pandemics (ie, COVID-19 and H1N1) may have inadvertently prevented participants from receiving support and immunisation against other vaccine preventable diseases 14 46. Moreover, prevalence of disease during pandemics (ie, COVID-19) prevented the successful deployment of in-person programmes and required a shift to smaller scale programming delivered virtually 45…”

“…This programme used a direct transfer between clinician and pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of vaccine prescriptions becoming lost and promoting programme completion from education to vaccination. 46 Providing convenience in programme participation facilitated the success of some programmes 40 ; for example, through the availability of on-site (ie, drop-in), free vaccine clinics 47 (ES1, personal communication) in convenient locations (eg, workplace, pharmacies schools). 14 40 42 48 Similarly, vaccine support programmes that are provided in a timely manner without requiring effort from the participant may promote participation.…”