Influencing Factors for the Acceptability of Accessing HIV Pre‐exposure Prophylaxis via Community Pharmacies in Wales

• DOI: 10.1111/hex.70247
• Publication Date: 2025-04-05T10:48:59Z
• Authors: David Gillespie; Adam D. N. Williams; Richard Ma; Zoe Couzens; Kerenza Hood; Dyfrig A. Hughes; Efi Mantzourani; Eleanor Cochrane; Fiona Wood
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Sexual health clinic; Pre-exposure prophylaxis

ABSTRACT Introduction HIV prevention methods, such as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have been a significant contributing factor to global decline in transmission. PrEP has available through the NHS Wales since 2017. However, access is exclusively via sexual health clinics, and those accessing do not reflect being diagnosed with HIV. Widening beyond clinics may be one approach encourage more equitable uptake, there growing interest offering services community pharmacies. We, therefore, aimed explore acceptability of delivered pharmacies among prospective service users. Methods We conducted qualitative interview study people living who either (i) currently access, (ii) previously accessed or are (iii) considering clinic. Participants were recruited networks, interviews virtually. Our topic guide was informed by Levesque's conceptual framework healthcare, we used reflexive thematic analysis. Results interviewed 24 participants included data from 20 Four themes generated: experiences prospect pharmacies, other settings which concerns around integrated healthcare data. Conclusion pharmacy likely an acceptable option for people. There uncertainties surrounding what would look like setting, this need clarifying users increase salience access. Patient Public Contribution A team‐based taken developing agreeing on codes study. This lived experience Wales.