Implementation and impact of a post-exposure prophylaxis helpline

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Despite a national training program, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) implementation for healthcare workers (HCWs) in Delhi was poor.
• A 2010 initiative by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society aimed to enhance PEP uptake among HCWs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the PEP program in Delhi.
• To assess the impact of a new PEP initiative on HCW safety.

Main Methods:

• A PEP initiative included posters, a telephone helpline, and workshops for hospital supervisors.
• Data on helpline usage and HCW enrollment in PEP from January 2011 to May 2014 were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Prior to the initiative, only 61% of hospitals had PEP drugs and supervisors, with poor reporting.
• Post-helpline implementation, all hospitals engaged, 4057 HCWs used the helpline, and 15% of 1450 exposed HCWs started PEP, with 98% completion.

Conclusions:

• The PEP helpline, likely the first in a developing country, proved instrumental in effective national PEP program implementation in Delhi.
• The initiative successfully improved access to and adherence to PEP for HCWs, reducing occupational HIV transmission risk.