Examining Attitudes Toward HPV Self-Collection Among Clinicians Practicing in Federally Qualified Health Centers Using the Cabana Guideline Based Practice Improvement Framework

Introduction: As HPV self-collection for cervical cancer screening is introduced into clinical practice, it is critical to understand factors that may potentially impact adoption. This article aims to describe clinicians’ attitudes toward self-collection guided by the Cabana Guideline Based Practice Improvement Framework. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a survey of clinicians at federally qualified health centers ( n = 147). The survey, distributed to clinicians practicing in safety net settings in 2021–2022, explored the potential benefits and concerns of HPV self-collection, and how helpful self-collection would be in catching up patients overdue for screening. Clinicians’ anticipated practices were evaluated by asking to which patients and in what location they would recommend self-collection. Descriptive frequencies were obtained for quantitative items. Qualitative comments were coded using thematic analysis. Results: Most participants were female (84%), White (69%), and non-Hispanic/non-Latinx (86%). Responses indicated a lack of awareness that primary HPV testing is a recommended form of screening and the management of positive HPV test results. The main benefits identified were convenience and increased access to care. Participants’ concerns included patients incorrectly conducting the test or obtaining an inadequate sample, fewer appointments with clinicians, and patients not returning the test or attending follow-up appointments. Conclusion: This study provides important baseline information for clinicians’ perceptions of self-collection prior to FDA approval. Now that HPV self-collection has received regulatory approval for routine use, further research is needed to address concerns and guide its adoption into clinical practice.