1280. A Pharmacist-led PrEP Program at the Epicenter of the HIV Epidemic in Atlanta; Our Experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Atlanta, GA ranks third in the nation for highest rates of new HIV diagnoses, disproportionally affecting Black men and women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in this population due to multiple barriers to uptake, including limited access to PrEP delivery programs. The advantages of a primary pharmacy-led PrEP program include: relatively low service fees, perform and assess point-of-care testing, and provide adherence counseling. Similar programs across the United States have been shown to effectively increase PrEP uptake and optimize retention in care. Grady Health System (GHS), the fifth largest public hospital system in the United States, is located at the epicenter of the HIV epidemic: downtown Atlanta. It encompasses 11 different primary care clinics, accounting for 850,000 outpatient visits per year. In August 2018, we launched a developmental pilot of a GHS pharmacy-based tele-PrEP program, aiming to optimize PrEP access for vulnerable populations who would otherwise not be able to obtain it. PrEP services are provided directly to the community and through a consultative support program for all clinical sites within the GHS system. The key pilot interventions included developing a user-friendly electronic medical record (EMR)-based PrEP order sets and brief provider education interventions in 6 GHS primary care clinics, to increase PrEP awareness among non-HIV clinicians. Methods We conducted a retrospective process evaluation of the pilot PrEP program based on the PrEP continuum of care. Results Over 9 months, 95 referrals were received from providers within the GHS clinics. Of the 95 patients referred, 56 (59%) started PrEP. Two patients were started on post-exposure prophylaxis prior to initiation of PrEP. Forty-five patients (81%) remain on PrEP as of April 2019. Six clients were diagnosed with 9 STIs on screening (4 syphilis, 2 gonorrhea, 2 chlamydia, 1 lymphogranuloma venereum). There have been no HIV seroconversions in patients on PrEP. Conclusion Utilizing a pharmacy-based PrEP program to train and support clinical providers in a large, hospital system can facilitate PrEP uptake and retention for patients in primary care. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.