Document Type
Article
Publication Title
MedEdPORTAL: The AAMC Journal of Teaching and Learning Resources
Abstract
Introduction: Gaps exist in educational materials addressing LGBTQ patient care and LGBTQ health. One such area is prescribing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP awareness, familiarity, and comfort in prescribing are very important in the rollout and success of PrEP as a preventative measure. Our needs assessments showed a lack of familiarity and comfort among clinicians/medical students in prescribing PrEP. Furthermore, studies have shown that since its launch as an effective prevention method of HIV transmission, PrEP has not been widely prescribed to at-risk populations. Educating clinicians about PrEP may increase its use among high-risk MSM populations and reduce the incidence of HIV infections.
Methods: For medical students, we developed a didactic presentation and video recording discussing (1) a brief history of HIV prevention, (2) indications for PrEP prescription, (3) medical testing for PrEP onboarding, (4) common PrEP side effects, and (5) appropriate follow-up and testing for PrEP maintenance and discontinuation. We also developed a videotaped clinical encounter demonstrating communication skills used in PrEP counseling. Pre- and postworkshop surveys assessed participants' PrEP attitudes and knowledge.
Results: All 43 survey respondents were second- through fourth-year medical students. Pre- and postpresentation evaluation of questions assessing comfort demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in level of comfort with understanding when to prescribe PrEP and in level of knowledge in prescribing PrEP.
Discussion: Workshop participants acknowledged their training gaps in PrEP prescribing and acquired knowledge and comfort with prescribing PrEP for at-risk populations.
DOI
10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10908
Publication Date
5-29-2020
Keywords
Communication Skills, Cultural Competence, Diversity, HIV, Health Equity, Inclusion, LGBTQ+, MSM, Men Who Have Sex With Men, PrEP, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Sexual and Gender Minorities
ISSN
2374-8265
Recommended Citation
Perucho J, Alzate-Duque L, Bhuiyan A, Sánchez J, Sánchez NF. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Education for Clinicians: Caring for an MSM Patient. MedEdPORTAL: The AAMC Journal of Teaching and Learning Resources. 2020; 16. doi: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10908.
