The human papillomavirus (HPV) infects approximately 14 million people annually. A crucial role of all health care providers is to reduce the risk of exposure through primary prevention. In order to lessen the risk of people contracting the virus, education regarding the virus must be passed from health professionals to patients – primary the first interaction via the nursing staff. This will in turn – provides the opportunity to increase vaccination rates, increase HPV knowledge, and confirm information about the virus. Using evidence-based practice to answer questions is a vital component for nursing interactions in a clinical setting. However, they must be educated foremost to achieve appropriate outcomes. Delivering fact-based information helps thwart parents and patients from believing false information. Having nursing staff participate in educating parents – as opposed to only the healthcare provider – helps improve the information that parents receive and helps parents make informed decisions for their adolescent.
