Using a student-led, community-specific training module to increase PrEP uptake amongst at-risk populations: results from an exploratory pilot implementation

AIDS Care. 2020 May;32(5):546-550. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1659916. Epub 2019 Aug 26.

Abstract

HIV incidence continues to be a significant global and domestic public health concern. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe and effective in preventing HIV. PrEP uptake in the populations at risk for HIV has been slow and unequal. One reason for this is low levels of provider knowledge about PrEP. Prior training initiatives have focused exclusively on prescribers, which overlooks a substantial number of professionals who interact with patients. A novel method of training was designed and implemented by an interprofessional student team. The training module was purposely designed with community specificity about the patients at the highest risk for new HIV infections. Assessment of this training initiative occurred by query of electronic medical records to determine changes in the number of prescriptions for PrEP following the training intervention. Results indicate this student-led initiative was effective in providing education about PrEP, which translated to changes in PrEP prescription.

Keywords: HIV prevention; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; community education; healthcare access; interprofessional; population health.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Population Health
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents