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BACKGROUND: Hypocalcemia is the most common postoperative complication of total thyroidectomy. Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) technology is a surgical adjunct that has been increasingly utilized with the aim of preventing postoperative hypocalcemia, but its clinical benefits have not yet been firmly established. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical benefit of utilizing NIRAF technology in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Seven randomized clinical trials with 1437 patients (318 males, 22.13%) undergoing total thyroidectomy were included for analysis. Risk of postoperative hypocalcemia was reduced in the NIRAF arm (RR, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.50-0.84). Use of NIRAF was also associated with a reduction in the risk of permanent parathyroid dysfunction (RR, 0.46; 95%CI, 0.22-0.95) and inadvertent parathyroid gland resection (RR, 0.40; 95%CI, 0.26-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials examining the impact of NIRAF technology on preservation of parathyroid function. Our results suggest that use of camera-based NIRAF technology reduces the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia, permanent parathyroid dysfunction, and inadvertent parathyroid gland resection.
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the management and associated follow-up strategies adopted by thyroid surgeons with different surgical volumes when loss of signal (LOS) occurred on the first side of planned bilateral thyroid surgery, and to further define the consensus on intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) applications. METHODS: The International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) web-based survey was sent to 950 thyroid surgeons worldwide. The survey included information on the participants, IONM team/equipment/procedure, intraoperative/postoperative management of LOS, and management of LOS on the first side of thyroidectomy for benign and malignant disease. RESULTS: Out of 950, 318 (33.5%) respondents completed the survey. Subgroup analyses were performed based on thyroid surgery volume: <50 cases/year (n = 108, 34%); 50 to 100 cases/year (n = 69, 22%); and >100 cases/year (n = 141, 44.3%). High-volume surgeons were significantly (P < .05) more likely to perform the standard procedures (L1-V1-R1-S1-S2-R2-V2-L2), to differentiate true/false LOS, and to verify the LOS lesion/injury type. When LOS occurs, most surgeons arrange otolaryngologists or speech consultation. When first-side LOS occurs, not all respondents decided to perform stage contralateral surgery, especially for malignant patients with severe disease (eg, extrathyroid invasion and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents felt that IONM was optimized when conducted under a collaborative team-based approach, and completed IONM standard procedures and management algorithm for LOS, especially those with high volume. In cases of first-site LOS, surgeons can determine the optimal management of disease-related, patient-related, and surgical factors. Surgeons need additional education on LOS management standards and guidelines to master their decision-making process involving the application of IONM.
Subject(s)
Thyroidectomy , Humans , Thyroidectomy/methods , Surveys and Questionnaires , Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring , Thyroid Diseases/surgery , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries/prevention & control , Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries/etiology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/etiology , Female , MaleABSTRACT
Importance: Oncocytic (Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma is a follicular cell-derived neoplasm that accounts for approximately 5% of all thyroid cancers. Until recently, it was categorized as a follicular thyroid carcinoma, and its management was standardized with that of other differentiated thyroid carcinomas. In 2022, given an improved understanding of the unique molecular profile and clinical behavior of oncocytic thyroid carcinoma, the World Health Organization reclassified oncocytic thyroid carcinoma as distinct from follicular thyroid carcinoma. The International Thyroid Oncology Group and the American Head and Neck Society then collaborated to review the existing evidence on oncocytic thyroid carcinoma, from diagnosis through clinical management and follow-up surveillance. Observations: Given that oncocytic thyroid carcinoma was previously classified as a subtype of follicular thyroid carcinoma, it was clinically studied in that context. However, due to its low prevalence and previous classification schema, there are few studies that have specifically evaluated oncocytic thyroid carcinoma. Recent data indicate that oncocytic thyroid carcinoma is a distinct class of malignant thyroid tumor with a group of distinct genetic alterations and clinicopathologic features. Oncocytic thyroid carcinoma displays higher rates of somatic gene variants and genomic chromosomal loss of heterozygosity than do other thyroid cancers, and it harbors unique mitochondrial DNA variations. Clinically, oncocytic thyroid carcinoma is more likely to have locoregional (lymph node) metastases than is follicular thyroid carcinoma-with which it was formerly classified-and it develops distant metastases more frequently than papillary thyroid carcinoma. In addition, oncocytic thyroid carcinoma rarely absorbs radioiodine. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this review suggest that the distinct clinical presentation of oncocytic thyroid carcinoma, including its metastatic behavior and its reduced avidity to radioiodine therapy, warrants a tailored disease management approach. The reclassification of oncocytic thyroid carcinoma by the World Health Organization is an important milestone toward developing a specific and comprehensive clinical management for oncocytic thyroid carcinoma that considers its distinct characteristics.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Follicular , Adenoma, Oxyphilic , Thyroid Neoplasms , Humans , Iodine Radioisotopes , Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis , Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics , Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy , Adenoma, Oxyphilic/genetics , Adenoma, Oxyphilic/therapy , Lymphatic MetastasisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Neoadjuvant targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for locally aggressive thyroid cancer. Its impact on tumor and adjacent tissues remains a nascent area of study. Here we report on a series of six subjects with locally advanced thyroid cancer and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis who experienced recovery of RLN function with neoadjuvant treatment and describe the morphologic and electrophysiologic characteristics of these recovered nerves. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective review. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the following parameters for recovered nerves: (1) nerve morphology, characterized as Type A (involving epineurium only) versus Type B (extending beyond epineurium); (2) proximal stimulability (normal vs. abnormal vs. absent); and (3) surgical management (resection vs. preservation). RESULTS: Six subjects with unilateral VFP were identified. Median time to return of VF mobility was 3 months (range 2-13.5). All nerves (100%) were noted to have Type A morphology at surgery. Proximal stimulability was normal in four subjects (66.7%), abnormal in one (16.7%), and absent in one (16.7%). Nerves that had improvement of function through neoadjuvant therapy were able to be surgically preserved in five subjects (83.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This represents the first characterization of RLNs that have recovered function with neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced thyroid cancer. Although much remains unknown, our findings indicate carcinomatous neural invasion is a reversible process and recovered nerves may demonstrate normal morphology and electrophysiologic activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3415-3419, 2024.
Subject(s)
Neoadjuvant Therapy , Recovery of Function , Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve , Thyroid Neoplasms , Vocal Cord Paralysis , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Female , Male , Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve/surgery , Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve/physiopathology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/surgery , Vocal Cord Paralysis/physiopathology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/therapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery , Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy , Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology , Thyroid Neoplasms/physiopathology , Adult , Thyroidectomy/methods , Aged , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Endotracheal tube (ETT) surface electrodes are used to monitor the vagus nerve (VN), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Alternative nerve monitoring methods are desirable when intubation under general anesthesia is not desirable or possible. In this pilot study, we compared the performance of standard ETT electrodes to four different noninvasive cutaneous recording electrode types (two adhesive electrodes and two needle electrodes) in three different orientations. METHODS: The VN was stimulated directly during thyroid and parathyroid surgery using a Prass stimulator probe. Electromyographic (EMG) responses for each patient were recorded using an ETT plus one of the following four cutaneous electrode types: large-foot adhesive, small-foot adhesive, long-needle and short-needle. Each of the four electrode types was placed in three orientations: (1) bilateral, (2) ipsilateral mediolateral, and (3) ipsilateral craniocaudal. RESULTS: Four surgical cases were utilized for data collection with the repetitive measures obtained in each subject. Bilateral electrode orientation was superior to ipsilateral craniocaudal and ipsilateral mediolateral orientations. Regardless of electrodes type, all amplitudes in the bilateral orientation were >100 µV. When placed bilaterally, the small-foot adhesive and the long-needle electrodes obtained the highest EMG amplitudes as a percentage of ETT amplitudes. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous electrodes could potentially be used to monitor the VN during thyroid and parathyroid procedures. Different electrode types vary in their ability to record amplitudes and latencies. Bilateral orientation improves EMG responses in all electrode types. Additional validation of cutaneous electrodes as an alternative noninvasive method to monitor the VN is needed.
Subject(s)
Electrodes , Electromyography , Needles , Thyroidectomy , Vagus Nerve , Humans , Vagus Nerve/physiology , Pilot Projects , Electromyography/methods , Female , Male , Thyroidectomy/adverse effects , Thyroidectomy/methods , Middle Aged , Monitoring, Intraoperative/methods , Monitoring, Intraoperative/instrumentation , Adult , Adhesives , Intubation, Intratracheal/instrumentation , Intubation, Intratracheal/methods , Parathyroidectomy/methodsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The incidence of thyroid cancer has significantly increased in recent decades. Although most thyroid cancers are small and carry an excellent prognosis, a subset of patients present with advanced thyroid cancer, which is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The management of thyroid cancer requires a thoughtful individualized approach to optimize oncologic outcomes and minimize morbidity associated with treatment. Because endocrinologists usually play a key role in the initial diagnosis and evaluation of thyroid cancers, a thorough understanding of the critical components of the preoperative evaluation facilitates the development of a timely and comprehensive management plan. The following review outlines considerations in the preoperative evaluation of patients with thyroid cancer. METHODS: A clinical review based on current literature was generated by a multidisciplinary author panel. RESULTS: A review of considerations in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid cancer is provided. The topic areas include initial clinical evaluation, imaging modalities, cytologic evaluation, and the evolving role of mutational testing. Special considerations in the management of advanced thyroid cancer are discussed. CONCLUSION: Thorough and thoughtful preoperative evaluation is critical for formulating an appropriate treatment strategy in the management of thyroid cancer.
Subject(s)
Thyroid Neoplasms , Humans , Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis , Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery , PrognosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography has become an essential tool for the evaluation and management of thyroid and parathyroid diseases. Its applications extend beyond neck endocrine conditions to a multitude of pathologies within the head and neck region. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to: (1) provide a broad review of neck ultrasonography and key findings in neck endocrine diseases; (2) support skilled performance office-based diagnostic ultrasonography and its varied applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the current literature was supplemented with clinical examples of key ultrasonographic findings. RESULTS: Current applications and key findings of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of neck endocrine conditions are reviewed. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a fundamental component in the evaluation and management of neck endocrine diseases. The reader is encouraged to use this review to enhance office-based performance and application of ultrasonography.
Subject(s)
Endocrine System Diseases , Thyroid Diseases , Endocrine System Diseases/pathology , Humans , Neck/diagnostic imaging , Parathyroid Glands/diagnostic imaging , Parathyroid Glands/pathology , Thyroid Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Thyroid Gland/diagnostic imaging , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate a possible link between breast and thyroid cancer. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of patients in the electronic medical records of six Accrual to Clinical Trial (ACT) institutions with both breast cancer and thyroid carcinoma. Each center queried its data using a predefined data dictionary. Information on thyroid and breast cancer included dates of diagnosis, histology, and patient demographics. RESULTS: A random-effects model was used. There were 4.24 million women's records screened, 44 605 with breast cancer and 11 846 with thyroid cancer. The relative risks observed at each institution ranged from 0.49 to 13.47. The combined risk ratio (RR) estimate was 1.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.50-5.18). CONCLUSION: There was no association between the risk of developing thyroid cancer and being a breast cancer survivor compared to no history of breast cancer, but the range of relative risks among the participating institutions was wide. Our findings warrant further study of more institutions with larger sample size. Additionally, further analysis of the significance of regional RR differences may be enlightening.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Thyroid Neoplasms , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Data Collection , Female , Humans , Risk , Thyroid Neoplasms/epidemiology , Thyroid Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The use of ultrasound-guided ablation procedures to treat both benign and malignant thyroid conditions is gaining increasing interest. This document has been developed as an international interdisciplinary evidence-based statement with a primary focus on radiofrequency ablation and is intended to serve as a manual for best practice application of ablation technologies. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to guide statement development and generation of best practice recommendations. Modified Delphi method was applied to assess whether statements met consensus among the entire author panel. RESULTS: A review of the current state of ultrasound-guided ablation procedures for the treatment of benign and malignant thyroid conditions is presented. Eighteen best practice recommendations in topic areas of preprocedural evaluation, technique, postprocedural management, efficacy, potential complications, and implementation are provided. CONCLUSIONS: As ultrasound-guided ablation procedures are increasingly utilized in benign and malignant thyroid disease, evidence-based and thoughtful application of best practices is warranted.
Subject(s)
Radiofrequency Ablation , Radiology , Surgeons , Thyroid Nodule , Humans , Latin America , Republic of Korea , Thyroid Nodule/pathology , Ultrasonography, Interventional , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, tracheostomy may be required for COVID-19 patients requiring long-term ventilation in addition to other conditions such as airway compromise from head and neck cancer. As an aerosol-generating procedure, tracheostomy increases the exposure of health care workers to COVID-19 infection. Performing surgical tracheostomy and tracheostomy care requires a strategy that mitigates these risks and maintains the quality of patient care. METHODS: This study is a multidisciplinary review of institutional tracheostomy guidelines and clinical pathways. Modifications to support clinical decision making in the context of COVID-19 were derived by consensus and available evidence. RESULTS: Modified guidelines for all phases of tracheostomy care at an academic tertiary care center in the setting of COVID-19 are presented. DISCUSSION: During the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians must carefully consider the indications, procedural precautions, and postoperative care for tracheostomies. We present guidelines to mitigate risk to health care workers while preserving the quality of care.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Tracheostomy , Academic Medical Centers , COVID-19 , Humans , Personal Protective Equipment , Practice Guidelines as Topic , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Surgical treatment of advanced thyroid malignancy can be morbid, compromising normal functions of the upper aerodigestive tract. There is a paucity of guidelines dedicated to the management of advanced disease. In fact, there is not even a uniform definition for advanced thyroid cancer currently. The presence of local invasion, bulky cervical nodes, distant metastases or recurrent disease should prompt careful preoperative evaluation and planning. Surgical strategy should evolve from multidisciplinary discussion that integrates individual disease characteristics and patient preference. Intraoperative neuromonitoring has important applications in surgery for advanced disease and should be used to guide surgical strategy and intraoperative decision-making. Recent paradigm shifts, including staged surgery and use of neoadjuvant targeted therapy hold potential for decreasing surgical morbidity and improving clinical outcomes. Modern surgical planning provides optimal treatment for each patient through a tailored approach based on exact extent and type of disease as well as incorporating appreciation of surgical complications, patient preferences and intraoperative findings.
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BACKGROUND: Despite recommendations for monitoring patients with chronic and high-risk conditions, gaps still remain. These gaps are exacerbated in outpatient care, where patients and clinicians face challenges related to care coordination, multiple electronic health records, and extensive follow-up. In addition, low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations that are disproportionately cared for in safety net settings are particularly at risk to lapses in monitoring. METHODS: We aim to implement and evaluate a health information technology platform developed using systems engineering methodologies. The implementation is situated in a clinic that monitors patients with head and neck cancer within a large, urban, publicly funded hospital. Our study will evaluate the time it takes for patients to progress through key treatment milestones prior to and after implementation of the tool. We will use models controlling for secular trend to estimate the effect of the tool on improving timely and successful completion of guideline-based care processes. DISCUSSION: This protocol details the evaluation of the effectiveness of a human-centered health information technology intervention on improving timely delivery of care for high-risk populations. Other settings, including those that face challenges related to limited resources to devote to safety programs and fragmented health information technology, may benefit from this approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03546322. "Customized Registry Tool for Tracking Adherence to Clinical Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers." Registered 1 June 2018.
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Surgical management of thyroid cancer requires careful consideration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and its impact on glottic function. Management of the compromised recurrent laryngeal nerve is a complex task, requiring synthesis of multiple elements. The surgeon must have an appreciation for preoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve function, intraoperative anatomic and electromyographic information, disease characteristics, and relevant patient factors. Preoperative clinical evaluation including preoperative laryngoscopy and assessment of recurrent laryngeal nerve risk is essential to formulating a surgical plan and providing appropriate patient counseling. Intraoperative neuromonitoring information has significant implications for surgical management of the injured or invaded recurrent laryngeal nerve and informs strategy with respect to staging of bilateral surgery. Disease characteristics and patient-related factors, including patient preference, must be considered with intraoperative decision-making. Multidisciplinary discussion and patient communication are essential for effective management and successful surgical outcome.
Subject(s)
Laryngeal Nerve Injuries/etiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery , Thyroidectomy/methods , Vocal Cord Paralysis/etiology , Humans , Laryngeal Nerve Injuries/epidemiology , Laryngeal Nerve Injuries/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Thyroidectomy/adverse effects , Vocal Cord Paralysis/epidemiology , Vocal Cord Paralysis/prevention & controlABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study examines the effect of insurance status (as a measure of socioeconomic status) on patient with benign thyroid disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed among 60 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. Univariate and multivariable analyses examined the relationship between insurance status and thyroid volume (sum of the left and right lobe volumes). RESULTS: Twenty-eight (47%) patients were considered of underinsured/uninsured status, and 32 (53%) patients were considered of private/government/military insurance status. Median pathologic whole thyroid volume was 66 mL (range, 2-855). After multivariable linear regression, underinsured/uninsured status was the only significant predictor of larger volume (correlation coefficient [r] = 118; 95% CI, 42 to 194; P = .003), after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of concomitant thyroid disease and compressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients of underinsured/uninsured status suffered more severe disease presentations at time of thyroidectomy, as measured by larger thyroid volumes.
Subject(s)
Healthcare Disparities , Socioeconomic Factors , Thyroid Diseases/surgery , Thyroidectomy , Adult , Female , Humans , Insurance Coverage , Male , Medically Uninsured , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Thyroid Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
Infections of the head and neck are common and appropriately managed by primary care providers in most cases. However, some infections are associated with significant morbidity and require urgent recognition and management by specialty services. These include deep neck space infections originating in the oral cavity, pharynx, and salivary glands, as well as complicated otologic and sinonasal infection. This article provides a review of these conditions, including the pathophysiology, presenting features, and initial management strategy.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections/diagnosis , Head/microbiology , Neck/microbiology , Primary Health Care/methods , Humans , Pharyngeal Diseases/microbiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology , Sinusitis/microbiology , Tonsillitis/microbiologyABSTRACT
We conducted a retrospective case review to determine if the presence of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologist improves efficiency during pediatric tonsillectomies and adenotonsillectomies in hospitals that do not have dedicated pediatric operating rooms and, if so, to determine which specific anesthesia practices might account for such a difference. We reviewed the charts of all patients aged 12 years and younger who had undergone a tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy from Jan. 1, 2008, through Aug. 1, 2013, at San Francisco General Hospital. A total of 75 cases met our eligibility criteria. We compiled information on patient demographics, surgical time, anesthesia time, and anesthesia practices. Our primary study outcome was the amount of anesthesia-controlled time (ACT), which is the sum of time spent in induction and emergence. Cases were grouped according to whether the operation was staffed by an ACGME fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologist or a general anesthesiologist. Data were analyzed for 1 pediatric anesthesiologist and 23 general anesthesiologists. We found that ACT was significantly shorter during the cases staffed by the ACGME fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologist, although there were no major differences in anesthesia practices between the types of anesthesiologist. We suggest that staffing pediatric tonsillectomy operations with a fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologist may be an effective strategy for increasing operating room efficiency.
Subject(s)
Adenoidectomy , Anesthesiologists , Clinical Competence/standards , Operating Rooms/organization & administration , Tonsillectomy , Accreditation/standards , Adenoidectomy/methods , Adenoidectomy/standards , Anesthesia/methods , Anesthesia/standards , Anesthesiologists/education , Anesthesiologists/standards , Child , Fellowships and Scholarships , Female , Humans , Male , Quality Improvement , Tonsillectomy/methods , Tonsillectomy/standards , Treatment Outcome , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Electronic consultation (eConsult) systems have enhanced access to specialty expertise and enhanced care coordination among primary care and specialty care providers, while maintaining high primary care provider (PCP), specialist and patient satisfaction. Little is known about their impact on the efficiency of specialty care delivery, in particular surgical yield (percent of ambulatory visits resulting in a scheduled surgical case). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of a random selection of 150 electronic consults from PCPs to a safety-net general surgery clinic for the three most common general surgery procedures (herniorrhaphy, cholecystectomy, anorectal procedures) in 2014. Electronic consultation requests were reviewed for the presence/absence of consult domains: symptom acuity/severity, diagnostic evaluation, concurrent medical conditions, and attempted diagnosis. Logic regression was used to examine the association between completeness of consult requests and scheduling an ambulatory clinic visit. Surgical yield was also calculated, as was the percentage of patients requiring unanticipated healthcare visits. RESULTS: In 2014, 1743 electronic consultations were submitted to general surgery. Among the 150 abstracted, the presence of consult domains ranged from 49% to 99%. Consult completeness was not associated with greater likelihood of scheduling an ambulatory visit. Seventy-six percent of consult requests (114/150) were scheduled for a clinic appointment and surgical yield was 46%; without an eConsult system, surgical yield would have been 35% (p=0.07). Among patients not scheduled for a clinic visit (n=36), 4 had related unanticipated emergency department visits. CONCLUSION: Econsult systems can be used to safely optimize the surgical yield of a safety-net general surgery service.
Subject(s)
General Surgery/standards , Referral and Consultation/standards , Remote Consultation/standards , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration , Emergency Service, Hospital/standards , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Safety , Patient Satisfaction , Primary Health Care/methods , Primary Health Care/standards , Referral and Consultation/organization & administration , Retrospective Studies , SpecializationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: (1) To understand if awareness of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination's potential to prevent head and neck cancer improves acceptability of the vaccine in a large urban population and (2) to identify characteristics of those in whom such discussions would have the greatest impact. STUDY DESIGN: In-person, anonymous survey. SETTING: Academic public hospital between March 2014 and June 2014. SUBJECTS: Patients aged 12 to 24 years and their parents or guardians awaiting scheduled outpatient pediatric appointments. METHODS: Demographics and modified Carolina HPV Immunization Attitudes and Beliefs Scales data were cross-analyzed, followed by univariate binomial logistic regression to identify predictors for major outcomes of interest. RESULTS: More than 78% of those surveyed indicated they would be more receptive to the HPV vaccine if given strong evidence that it prevented head and neck cancer. Respondents were more likely to increase receptivity to HPV vaccination if they held the belief that they did not have enough information about the vaccine or indicated they preferred to wait because the vaccine was too new. CONCLUSION: Increasing public awareness of head and neck cancer prevention with HPV vaccination could increase HPV vaccination acceptance.