Knowledge, Awareness, and Comfort Prescribing PrEP amongst Primary Care Providers

Authors

Anton Hicks, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine/Urgent Care/Emergency Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Sarah Bolander

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the perceived knowledge, comfort levels, and stigmas of primary care providers (PCPs) to account for the low uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in primary care. A search via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) literature search with search terms: HIV, PrEP, prescribing PrEP, HIV PrEP prescribing comfort, “healthcare student training AND HIV PrEP”, “HIV PrEP CDC guidelines”, and “current PrEP pharmacology” was conducted. Nineteen articles and sites were utilized and served as the basis for this literature review. Lack of knowledge/awareness, comfort levels, and personal bias held by practicing providers and healthcare students were key barriers to PrEP prescribing. For PrEP to be successful in eliminating new HIV infections and diagnoses, additional education and training are necessary for practicing PCPs/future healthcare providers in training to make informed decisions regarding PrEP for at-risk individuals without bias. This will increase their confidence to prescribe PrEP without having to refer to a specialist.

Recommended Citation

Hicks A. Knowledge, Awareness, and Comfort Prescribing PrEP amongst Primary Care Providers. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).