Implantable Long-Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis For MSM

The long-term goal of this project is to better understand factors at the patient and physician level that can be addressed to impact uptake of long-acting, implantable PrEP (LA-PrEP) products and identify the training needs of physicians. This project is based on the hypothesis that specific barriers to uptake of LA-PrEP may exist that must be addressed to support widespread implementation in primary care settings in the future. Primary care settings are the ideal setting for new PrEP medications that employ innovative strategies for use, including implantable formulations, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary care settings have demonstrated acceptability for other implantable medications, and similar strategies may be helpful for uptake of PrEP. However, new training and strategies will be needed for physicians to use this type of product with their patients should it become available. At this time, little is known about physician willingness to do the procedures required to insert the implant and what training will be needed. In particular, it is important to assess what training may be needed to effectively engage in health conversations with MSM patients. Thus, the main objective of this project is as follows: To examine perspectives of MSM (n=50) and physicians (n=20) in Texas regarding LA-PrEP, including attitudes and barriers to use and implementation by interviewing patients and physicians from the same clinical practices.