An Electronic Health Record-based Approach to Increase PrEP Knowledge and Uptake: the EMC2 PrEP Strategy

Adaptation and Pilot Test of an Electronic Health Record-based Approach to Increase PrEP Knowledge and Uptake: the EMC2 PrEP Strategy

This study is being conducted to investigate a strategy that may improve knowledge and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention (PrEP) among cisgender women in primary care.

Members of the study team previously developed and evaluated the Electronic health record Medication Complete Communication (EMC2) strategy to 'hardwire' provider/patient communication & surveillance of select prescription (Rx) medications. EMC2 PrEP will adapt from the previous strategy to

• educate cisgender women in primary care who have increased vulnerability to HIV about PrEP using an interactive, health literacy-appropriate educational tool securely delivered via the patient portal
• facilitate, for those who express interest, the rapid and discrete scheduling of a dedicated PrEP clinic visit with a primary care clinician trained in PrEP delivery

The current study aims are to:

Aim 1: Refine and implement an electronic health record (EHR)-based strategy as a potential quality improvement activity that supports informed decision-making and PrEP uptake among women with increased HIV vulnerability in primary care (the EMC2 PrEP strategy).

Aim 2: Pilot-test the EMC2 PrEP strategy in primary care to determine its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among women with increased vulnerability to HIV.

Aim 3: Develop a standard operating protocol (SOP) for disseminating the EMC2 PrEP strategy to a national network of federally qualified health centers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female
• HIV negative
• have received 2 or more tests in the past 12 months for chlamydia, gonorrhea and/or syphilis
• and/or have received a positive diagnosis for at least one of those sexually transmitted infections in the past 6 months
• currently engaged in primary care
• not currently using PrEP

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe, uncorrectable visual, hearing or cognitive impairments that would preclude study consent or participation