Pharmacist Prescribing Models for HIV Pre-exposure and Post-exposure Prophylaxis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pharmacist prescribing authority varies across states, ranging from restrictive to least restrictive.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are critical for HIV prevention.
• Expanding pharmacist prescribing is a key strategy to improve access to essential medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze three distinct models for pharmacist prescribing of HIV PrEP and PEP.
• To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each prescribing model.
• To inform policy and practice regarding pharmacist-led HIV prevention services.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing state strategies for pharmacist prescribing.
• Case study analysis using HIV PrEP and PEP as examples.
• Comparative evaluation of three pharmacist prescribing models: population-based collaborative practice agreements, government protocols, and standard of care prescribing.

Main Results:

• Three primary models for pharmacist prescribing of HIV prevention medications were identified.
• Each model presents unique benefits and drawbacks concerning implementation, scope of practice, and patient access.
• Collaborative practice agreements, government protocols, and standard of care prescribing offer different pathways for pharmacists to provide HIV prevention.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacist prescribing for HIV prevention can be effectively implemented through various regulatory frameworks.
• The choice of prescribing model impacts the accessibility and efficiency of HIV PrEP and PEP services.
• Further research and policy development are needed to optimize pharmacist roles in public health initiatives like HIV prevention.