Open AccessUtilizing emergency departments for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Author(s) -
Shull Jordan A.,
Attys Julie M.,
AmutahOnukagha Ndidiamaka N.,
Hill Mandy J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the american college of emergency physicians open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-1152
DOI - 10.1002/emp2.12295
Subject(s) - pre exposure prophylaxis , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , family medicine , incidence (geometry) , expanded access , emergency department , warrant , medical emergency , men who have sex with men , nursing , business , physics , syphilis , finance , optics
HIV incidence and prevalence rates in emergency departments (EDs) around the nation warrant strategies to protect and sustain the HIV negative status of persons who are at risk for HIV. The ED provides a rare opportunity to serve as a vehicle for connecting pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)‐eligible patients with clinical settings such as an ED that are knowledgeable and well informed about PrEP. PrEP has established efficacy at preventing HIV acquisition. The greatest challenge is access to PrEP and uptake thereof among vulnerable populations. We propose recommendations to improve the functionality of EDs as access points for PrEP referrals as an HIV prevention strategy to increase PrEP availability and uptake.