Improving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in the Postpartum Setting.

Although the HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing cervical dysplasia, vaccination rates remain low. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an electronic medical record (EMR) prompt on HPV vaccination rates in the postpartum setting. We conducted a pre-post intervention study among postpartum women ages 18-26 seen at an outpatient clinic from 09/01/2012-08/31/2013 (pre-intervention) and from 10/01/2013-03/31/2014 (post-intervention). The intervention was a drop-down menu that was inserted into the EMR postpartum note template inquiring about the patient's HPV vaccination status and whether or not the vaccine was administered at that visit. HPV vaccination uptake was compared pre and post-intervention. Of the 278 postpartum visits during the study period, 241 were eligible for analysis. There was a significant increase of the HPV vaccine uptake, from 1.2 % (2/173) among pre-intervention visits to 26.5 % (18/68) among post-intervention visits (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, ethnicity, insurance, and religion, HPV vaccination was significantly higher at postpartum visits during the intervention period, with an adjusted OR = 93.49 [95 % CI 15.29-571.52]. Among visits in which the vaccine was not given, HPV vaccination was not discussed in 46 % and patients refused the vaccine in 40 % of visits. An EMR prompt in the postpartum note could be an effective way to promote HPV vaccination in the postpartum setting. It will likely take a combination of strategies to optimize vaccination uptake.

Faculty and resident perceptions regarding overnight student call during the third year OB/GYN clerkship.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to identify university faculty, community physician, and resident perceptions of how a schedule that employs overnight call in addition to a traditional weekday schedule affects medical student education, well being, and patient care during the third year obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. METHODS: In July 2007, a descriptive study was performed by distributing surveys to community teaching physicians, current residents, and faculty in the University of Hawai'i Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A total of 114 surveys were distributed to all current residents, clinical faculty and full-time faculty in the University of Hawai'i Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The survey included questions regarding the effect of the student call/work hour restrictions. RESULTS: A response rate of 45.6% was obtained (52/114). Results demonstrate that 84.6% (44/52) of residents, faculty, and community attendings agree that third year medical students should take call during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Data was analyzed utilizing Spearman correlation and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics. No statistical difference was detected in terms of age or physician type (resident vs faculty vs community attending). CONCLUSION: Most physician-educators believe that medical students benefit from taking overnight call during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Careful consideration should be given prior to elimination of overnight call in the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.