nPEP protocol implementation and evaluation at a local US Crisis Center

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Sexual Assault Care

Background:

• Non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) is recommended for HIV prevention after substantial risk exposures.
• Barriers to nPEP utilization necessitate improved access and program development.
• A community sexual assault provider developed a comprehensive nPEP program to address these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a newly developed nPEP protocol for sexual assault victims.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to nPEP uptake and completion in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of sexual assault victims over a six-month period.
• Analysis of nPEP offer, acceptance, and completion rates.
• Follow-up phone interviews with patients who accepted nPEP.

Main Results:

• 157 patients presented; 80% within 72 hours.
• 73% were offered nPEP, 59% accepted.
• Common reasons for declining nPEP included needing more time.
• 77% of contacted patients completed nPEP; side effects were a common reason for noncompletion.
• 84% of eligible patients were offered nPEP, aligning with CDC guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The developed nPEP program demonstrated good adherence to guidelines and effective implementation.
• Despite challenges like side effects, most patients completed nPEP, indicating its value.
• Findings highlight opportunities to further optimize the nPEP process for sexual assault survivors.