1305. PrEParing for success: An intervention to increase HIV prevention awareness among internal medicine residents.

Abstract

Abstract Background PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a strategy that involves a combination of antiretrovirals medications aimed to reduce HIV transmission among at-risk individuals. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase internal medicine residents' knowledge and prescribing of PrEP. Methods We administered an anonymous paper survey to internal medicine residents at all stages of training at our suburban community hospital in the Hudson Valley, NY in the summer of 2021 during the academic half-day of their ambulatory block rotation. The survey consisted of questions about the residents’ demographics, PrEP knowledge, and previous prescribing of PrEP. Following the survey participants were given a 1-hour lecture by the authors on sexual history and PrEP including indications, available options, dosing, monitoring, side effects, and access to the therapy. Six months later we reissued the same survey to the residents. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results All 74 eligible residents completed the survey. Out of the 74, 35 (47.3%) identified as male and 40 (52.7%) identified as female. Medical school graduation year range between 2007 to 2021. Only 69 residents completed the post-survey. To Q1 “which medications are FDA approved to be used as PrEP,” 40 (54.05%) answered correctly prior to the intervention, whereas 51 (73.91%) did after. When they were asked Q3 “How effective was PrEP at reducing the risk of contracting HIV through sex,” 21 (28.38%) responded correctly, which improved to 46 (66.67%) after. To the other knowledge-based questions there was no significant improvement (see table). The number of people who reported prescribing PrEP increased from 2 (2.7%) to 7 (10.14%). PrEP survey Pre and Post results Conclusion Although experiencing this educational intervention did not improve long-term retention of knowledge among the participants, there was a substantial increase in the number of residents who prescribed PrEP. One of the limitations that can contribute to these results; is the short time frame between the intervention and post-survey. These findings demonstrate the need for early introduction of this topic into medical school and residency program curricula. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.