A survey of South Carolina pharmacists' readiness to prescribe human immunodeficiency virus pre‐exposure prophylaxis

Abstract

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is largely underutilized in the Southern United States. Given their community presence, pharmacists are well positioned to provide PrEP within rural, Southern regions. However, pharmacists' readiness to prescribe PrEP in these communities remains unknown. Objective To determine the perceived feasibility and acceptability of prescribing PrEP by pharmacists in South Carolina (SC). Methods We distributed a 43‐question online descriptive survey through the University of South Carolina Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center's listserv of licensed SC pharmacists. We assessed pharmacists' comfort, knowledge, and readiness to provide PrEP. Results A total of 150 pharmacists responded to the survey. The majority were White (73%, n = 110), female (62%, n = 93), and non‐Hispanic (83%, n = 125). Pharmacists practiced in retail (25%, n = 37), hospital (22%, n = 33), independent (17%, n = 25), community (13%, n = 19), specialty (6%, n = 9), and academic settings (3%, n = 4); 11% (n = 17) practiced in rural locales. Pharmacists viewed PrEP as both effective (97%, n = 122/125) and beneficial (74% n = 97/131) for their clients. Many pharmacists reported being ready (60% n = 79/130) and willing (86% n = 111/129) to prescribe PrEP, although over half (62% n = 73/118) cited lack of PrEP knowledge as a barrier. Pharmacists described pharmacies as an appropriate location to prescribe PrEP (72% n = 97/134). Conclusions Most SC pharmacists surveyed considered PrEP to be effective and beneficial for individuals who frequent their pharmacy and are willing to prescribe this therapy if statewide statutes allow. Many felt that pharmacies are an appropriate location to prescribe PrEP but lack a complete understanding of required protocols to manage these patients. Further investigation into facilitators and barriers of pharmacy‐driven PrEP is needed to enhance utilization within communities.

Facilitators and barriers to community pharmacy PrEP delivery: a scoping review

“…Similarly, lack of staff time [ 31 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 53 , 58 , 68 ] was also found to be a barrier, particularly when needing longer consultation times [ 31 ] to initiate clients on PrEP [ 72 ] and carry out the required monitoring (e.g. kidney function) [ 83 ]. There was also concern that an increased workload would negatively impact the time allocated to delivery of other services [ 43 ].…”

Facilitators and barriers to community pharmacy PrEP delivery: A scoping review

“…For the more specific aspects of PrEP delivery in community pharmacies, such as PrEP counselling and prescribing, pharmacists in the USA and Kenya reported the high turnover of staff (65) and the lack of skilled staff (e.g., only having one pharmacist on duty per shift) as barriers (28, 67, 70). Similarly, lack of staff time (28, 30, 47, 49, 53, 56, 70) was also found to be a barrier, particularly when needing longer consultation times (28) to initiate clients on PrEP (65) and carry out the required monitoring (e.g., kidney function) (33). There was also concern that an increased workload would negatively impact time allocated to delivery of other services (31).…”

Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao HIV: Revisão de escopo

“…Reconhecem que o processo de formação deve incluir treinamento sobre preconceitos raciais implícitos. Burns et al, (2023), fizeram uma pesquisa ampla para avaliar a prontidão dos farmacêuticos para fornecer a PrEP na Carolina do Sul nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), mediante a aplicação de um questionário descritivo on-line com 43 perguntas a farmacêuticos licenciados naquela localidade. Um número expressivo de considerou a PrEP eficaz e benéfica para os indivíduos que frequentam suas farmácias comunitárias, estando dispostos a prescrevê-la se os estatutos estaduais permitirem.…”