Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Counseling in Pediatric Training: Are We Discussing Otolaryngology-Related Manifestations?

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the need for increased education regarding otolaryngology-related manifestations of human papillomavirus (HPV). Highlight a need to incorporate otolaryngology-related manifestations of HPV in vaccine counseling. STUDY
DESIGN: Survey.
SETTING: Tertiary care academic children's hospital.
SUBJECTS: Pediatric residents, fellows, and staff.
METHODS: An online survey was made available regarding HPV education and vaccination.
RESULTS: Participants (N = 348) initiated the survey representing 28.4%, 25.6%, and 19.0% postgraduate year 1, 2, and 3 residents, respectively, as well as 17.5% chief residents/fellows and 9.5% attendings. Participants rated their prior education as none or fair regarding recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (63.8%) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (68.3%). In contrast, 60.6% and 70.9% rated their education on genital warts and cervical cancer correspondingly as good or excellent. When asked what was routinely discussed during HPV vaccine counseling, 63.3% reported "never" discussing recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and 52.9% "never" discussing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A range from 92.7% to 95.5% responded that there was a need for increased education regarding HPV and its role in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased education about HPV and its otolaryngology-related manifestations should be undertaken to increase provider, patient, and parent awareness of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that discussing the risks of otolaryngology-related disease be routinely included in HPV vaccination counseling. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.