A Simple Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Optimization Intervention for Health Care Providers Prescribing PrEP: Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention but faces limited uptake and adherence in the US.
• Healthcare providers' (HCPs) knowledge gaps and reluctance to prescribe PrEP are significant implementation barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a PrEP Optimization Intervention (PrEP-OI) for HCPs.
• To enhance PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence among individuals at risk for HIV acquisition.

Main Methods:

• The intervention involved a web-based tool (PrEP-Rx) for risk assessment and patient management, alongside a dedicated PrEP coordinator.
• Feasibility was measured by HCPs' ability to use PrEP-Rx; acceptability was assessed through qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• The PrEP-OI was found to be feasible and acceptable among the participating HCPs (N=6).
• HCPs reported improved PrEP knowledge, increased ease of prescription, and anticipated better patient engagement and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• An easy-to-use PrEP optimization intervention was developed and found feasible and acceptable for providers.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the intervention's impact on the PrEP continuum of care.