An EU4Health Project in the EJGP
The EU4Health project PROTECT-EUROPE champions gender-neutral vaccination programmes across EU Member States to protect against cancers caused by HPV. As a consortium member, WONCA Europe led efforts to enhance one-to-one communication between clinicians and patients to increase vaccine uptake. The first study, "How to overcome information and communication barriers in Human Papillomavirus vaccination? A SWOT analysis based on the opinions of European family doctors in contact with young people and their parents", published in the European Journal of General Practice, identifies strategies for improving family doctors' communication skills when discussing HPV vaccination.
The article highlights the importance of primary healthcare in promoting HPV vaccination and overcoming information and communication barriers. Family doctors are the key contact points and trusted sources of information for young people and parents regarding HPV vaccination. The study found that face-to-face, trust-based communication is a strength and opportunity for family doctors to promote the HPV vaccine in all countries. However, the lack of free-of-charge, nationally implemented gender-neutral vaccination is a policy weakness that needs improvement. Stigma and vaccine hesitancy pose major threats that family doctors must proactively address, supported by robust public health policies.
The study also emphasises the importance of training family doctors to address knowledge gaps, enhance communication skills, and maintain a trusting relationship with patients when discussing HPV vaccination. Overcoming financial barriers and ensuring gender-neutral vaccination programs are accessible across Europe are also essential. Providing accurate information through web- and school-based channels and developing community-oriented approaches targeting sociocultural factors and different needs to eliminate HPV vaccine stigmas should be considered when recommending the vaccine.
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