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Exploring nurse‐led HIV Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis in a community health care clinic
Author(s) -
Selfridge Marion,
Card Kiffer G.,
Lundgren Karen,
Barnett Tamara,
Guarasci Kellie,
Drost Anne,
GraySchleihauf Christiane,
Milne Roz,
Degenhardt Jonathan,
Stark Aeron,
Hull Mark,
Fraser Chris,
Lachowsky Nathan J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12813
Subject(s) - medicine , pre exposure prophylaxis , family medicine , medical prescription , public health , men who have sex with men , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , demographics , community health , population , health care , nursing , environmental health , demography , syphilis , sociology , economics , economic growth
Abstract Objectives Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are 131 times more likely to acquire HIV compared with other Canadian men. Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has the potential to reduce or eliminate disparities in HIV acquisition among key affected populations. This paper aims to discuss the feasibility and utility of a nurse‐led PrEP program administered by the Cool Aid Community Health Centre (CACHC) in Victoria, British Columbia as a public health PrEP program was initiated. Design, Sample and Measurements A retrospective chart review of 124 gbMSM patients accessing PrEP at CACHC in 2018 collected information on patient demographics, STI testing results, and PrEP prescription pick‐ups at 3 time points. Results Ninety‐nine (79.8%) patients have continued on PrEP, as defined as having picked up their second 90‐day PrEP prescription. Both older age and having an Sexually Transmitted Infection after PrEP enrolment were significantly associated with staying on PrEP; decreased risk perceptions contributed most to clinic‐level discontinuance. Very few patients who stayed on PrEP have transitioned to their own General Practitioner. Conclusions Patients appear to recognize their risk and are continuing on PrEP to reduce their risk of HIV. As evidenced by ability to recruit and maintain patients, we conclude that nurse‐led PrEP at community health centres supports access and uptake of essential health services to optimize individual and population health.