Understanding HPV-positive women’s needs and experiences in relation to patient-provider communication issues: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: HPV testing has been integrated in cervical cancer screening program. Patient-providers relationship is extremely important to improve cervical cancer screening outcomes. This qualitative study aims to understand HPV-positive women’s needs and preferences about HCPs and patient-provider communication based on their experiences of accessing primary and specialized care. METHODS: We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with HPV-positive women. Recorded interviews transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS: The analysis of the data led to the extraction of three main categories, including: provider’s communication and counseling skills, commitment to professional principles, and knowledgeable and competent provider. Women needed understandable discussion about HPV, emotional support and acceptance, receiving HPV-related guidance and advice, and some considerations during clinical appointments. Women needed HCPs to treat them respectfully, gently and with non-judgmental attitude. “Precancerous” and “high-risk” words and watching colposcopy monitor during procedure had made women anxious. Weak referral system and limited interactions among gynecologists and other HCPs highlighted by participants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study, based on the experiences and perceptions of HPV women receiving health care, contain messages and practical tips to healthcare providers at the primary and specialized levels of care to facilitate patient-provider communication around HPV. Providers need to approach the discussion of HPV with sensitivity and take individual needs and preferences into account to improve the HPV-positive women’s healthcare experience. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06283-w.