Attitudes about community pharmacy access to HIV prevention medications in California

• DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.06.005
• Publication Date: 2020-07-12T04:00:47Z
• Authors: Kimberly A. Koester; Parya Saberi; Shannon M. Fuller; Emily A. Arnold; Wayne T. Steward
• Keywords: pharmacy; Pharmacies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV; HIV Infections; Community Pharmacy Services; Pharmacists; PrEP; California; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; policy

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> Increasing access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure (PEP) is a high priority for the Ending HIV Epidemic Initiative. Expanding PrEP PEP through variety of health care settings, including community pharmacies, may increase in communities most need. California first state allow pharmacists furnish directly consumers. Our objective was assess attitudes among key stakeholders about policy PEP. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted qualitative case study with pharmacy stakeholders. Semistructured phone interviews were audio-recorded transcribed verbatim. generated analytical memos each interview working these memos, we constant comparison across cases identify commonalities differences. <h3>Results</h3> launched October 2018 interviewed (n = 7) retail-, clinic-, community-based pharmacies. also medical providers 2) high-volume clinics sought input from representatives large retail chain pharmacies 2). Overall, provider informants shared similar opinions central benefits as well challenges related pharmacist-delivered services. Benefits included: are widely accessible, protocols other preventative medications, lead efficiencies workforce, authorities on medication adherence. Challenges implementation issues limit pharmacist involvement, missed opportunities diagnose treat conditions. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This characterizes types that can be expected when prescribing privileges extended pharmacists. information useful policymakers considering legislation permit direct prescription by