Development of an educational package for the universal human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme: a co-production study with young people and key informants

Abstract

Plain English summary In England, young people are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in schools at age 12–13 years to prevent some types of cancer. Some young people have unanswered questions which may stop them getting vaccinated. We report how we developed a lesson about the HPV vaccine jointly with young people and professionals to improve how information about the HPV vaccine is given. First, we reviewed research studies and HPV vaccine information materials designed for young people. Then, we carried out interviews and workshops to ask about the best way to give a lesson and the most important information to include. We worked with creative designers to produce films and animations. Finally, we asked young people and professionals for feedback on the lesson materials. The lesson includes a PowerPoint presentation with five films and guidance for people leading the session. Key topics about the HPV vaccine to be covered were identified by young people. These included information about how vaccines work and ways to improve young people’s experience of having the HPV vaccine at school. We made changes to the information in the lesson to ensure that it was relevant to young people. We are now carrying out a study to find out how well the lesson is given and whether it can help more young people get the HPV vaccine if they want it.

Keywords

• Patient and public involvement
• Co-production
• Young people
• Person-based approach
• HPV vaccine
• Intervention development