Open AccessMaintaining access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in a pandemic: A service evaluation of telephone-based pre-exposure prophylaxis provision
Author(s) -
Lindsay Henderson,
Jo Gibbs,
Jacqueline Quinn,
Sharmini Ramasami,
Claudia Estcourt
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of std and aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.673
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1758-1052
pISSN - 0956-4624
DOI - 10.1177/09564624211068766
Subject(s) - medicine , pre exposure prophylaxis , service delivery framework , teamwork , health care , face to face , service (business) , family medicine , pandemic , service provider , telemedicine , nursing , preference , medical emergency , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , covid-19 , men who have sex with men , disease , philosophy , economy , law , economic growth , pathology , microeconomics , syphilis , epistemology , political science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics
Objectives The objective was to perform a survey-based service evaluation of our telephone PrEP clinic (Tele-PrEP), which was instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform future service delivery.Methods We administered parallel, web-based, anonymous surveys to PrEP-users who had a Tele-PrEP appointment between 13.11.2020 and 17.12.2020 and all healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting Tele-PrEP clinics. We used descriptive statistics to summarise demographic and qualitative data, and thematically categorised free text responses using the Framework for a Systems Approach to Healthcare Delivery.Results 62/117 (53%) PrEP-users and 8/9 (89%) HCPs completed the surveys. Tele-PrEP was rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ by 61/62 (98%) PrEP-users. All HCPs felt that Tele-PrEP allowed them to assess patients safely and confidently. 10/62 (16%) PrEP-users and 1 (11%) HCP expressed a preference for face-to-face care. Using the Framework for a Systems Approach to Healthcare Delivery we identified key areas important to respondents who highlighted the rapid changes as a result of COVID-19, which required an increase in dedicated resources. HCPs valued teamwork, support/supervision and convenience in achieving quality care for the patient, who in turn, valued convenient, holistic and individualised management to meet their sexual healthcare needs.Conclusion Tele-PrEP is feasible and acceptable. While most respondents rated the service highly, others identified a need/preference for face-to-face appointments.