Evaluating Patient Perceptions on PrEP Screening and Referral in the Acute Care Setting

Benjamin Aronson; Paige Kulie; Amanda D Castel; Natasha N Powell; Melissa McCarthy

doi:10.1007/s10461-022-03839-7

Evaluating Patient Perceptions on PrEP Screening and Referral in the Acute Care Setting

AIDS Behav. 2023 Mar;27(3):1024-1029. doi: 10.1007/s10461-022-03839-7. Epub 2022 Oct 11.

Authors

Benjamin Aronson¹, Paige Kulie¹, Amanda D Castel², Natasha N Powell^{3

4}, Melissa McCarthy⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 500, 20052, Washington, D.C, USA.
² Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 500, 20052, Washington, D.C, USA. acastel@gwu.edu.
³ Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC, USA.
⁴ Department of Health Policy, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA.

PMID: 36219272
DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03839-7

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is highly effective, yet uptake has been limited. We measured PrEP knowledge, eligibility, and referral willingness among patients receiving emergency or acute care in Washington, DC. We surveyed HIV-negative patients with STI-related complaints on HIV risk behaviors, PrEP knowledge, eligibility, and willingness for PrEP referral. Among 174 participants, 70% were PrEP unaware and 33% were PrEP eligible. Most participants (81%) supported learning more, 64% would consider taking PrEP, and 28% agreed to immediate referral. Willingness to learn more about PrEP suggests referral from non-traditional settings may increase uptake. Further evaluation of this approach is warranted.

Keywords: Emergency Department; HIV; PrEP; Referral; Urgent Care.

MeSH terms

HIV Infections* / prevention & control
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
Referral and Consultation
Surveys and Questionnaires