'It's a logistical nightmare!' Recommendations for optimising human papillomavirus school-based vaccination experience.
BACKGROUND
To date, no published studies examine procedural factors of the school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program from the perspective of those involved. This study examines the factors that were perceived to impact optimal vaccination experience.


METHODS
Schools across Sydney were selected to reflect a range of vaccination coverage at the school level and different school types to ensure a range of experiences. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with girls; and one-on-one interviews were undertaken with parents, teachers and nurses until saturation of data in all emergent themes was reached. Focus groups and interviews explored participants' experiences in school-based HPV vaccination. Transcripts were analysed, letting themes emerge.


RESULTS
Themes related to participants' experience of the organisational, logistical and procedural aspects of the vaccination program and their perceptions of an optimal process were organised into two categories: (1) preparation for the vaccination program and (2) vaccination day strategies. In (1), themes emerged regarding commitment to the process from those involved, planning time and space for vaccinations, communication within and between agencies, and flexibility. In (2), themes included vaccinating the most anxious girls first, facilitating peer support, use of distraction techniques, minimising waiting time girls, and support staff.


CONCLUSIONS
A range of views exists on what constitutes an optimal school-based program. Several findings were identified that should be considered in the development of guidelines for implementing school-based programs. Future research should evaluate how different approaches to acquiring parental consent, and the use of anxiety and fear reduction strategies impact experience and uptake in the school-based setting.
Robbins
Spring Chenoa Cooper
SC
Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Australia, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. Dr.Spring@gmail.com
Bernard
Diana
D
McCaffery
Kirsten
K
Skinner
S Rachel
SR
D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000458:organization & administration*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*