Improving the uptake of the HPV vaccine in patients living with HIV

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide with most people becoming infected at least once during their lifetime. Certain strains of HPV such as types 6 and 11 are oncogenic and are known to cause over 90% of anal cancers and anogenital warts. Men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those infected with HIV have a higher risk of acquiring HPV infection and developing associated disease due to immune system dysfunction. The burden of HPV related malignancies are more prevalent in MSM living with HIV than the general population. The NIAC recommends that MSM with HIV up to the age of 45 receive the HPV vaccine to reduce the prevalence of HPV related disease in this cohort of patients. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase HPV vaccination uptake in MSM living with HIV. The Lean Six Sigma Model and DMAIC framework was selected to guide this QIP. Data was collected from 39 patient charts and demonstrated that 34% of MSM attending the HIV clinic had received at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine. Interventions such as patient and healthcare provider education, a weekly ID nurse huddle and the addition of the HPV vaccine to the clinical review sheet and HIV ID record sheet were devised to reduce missed vaccination opportunities and increase vaccine uptake. The expected results of this project include an increased awareness of HPV related disease and increased uptake of the HPV vaccination in MSM living with HIV.