2556. Does a Brief Education Intervention Affect Perceptions and Knowledge Regarding HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Medical Trainees?

Abstract

BackgroundHIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be 90–92% effective in preventing HIV, but uptake in the South is the lowest in the country. Expanded implementation into clinical practice requires systemic efforts to improve education among providers early in their careers.MethodsThe objectives were to investigate medical trainees’ perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding PrEP and to improve knowledge with a brief interventional education session. Trainees were affiliated with the University Of South Carolina and received a ten-minute, 23-question survey starting June 2018. This was followed by the intervention and then a post intervention survey.Results157 trainees (31 residents, 86 medical students and 40 others) responded to survey and attended the intervention. Post intervention survey was completed by 43 trainees. Prior to intervention 83% of trainees (n = 131) had heard about PrEP and 80% (n = 125) knew of PrEP for HIV prevention. Half, mainly medical students and residents, had formal PrEP education as part of their curriculum but only 38% identified the appropriate regimen (n = 60). Trainees’ concerns included non-adherence (n = 96, 61%), side effects (n = 91, 58%), development of resistance (n = 81, 52%) and poor risk reduction practices (n = 55, 35%). 33% (n = 52) felt confident evaluating patient’s eligibility for PrEP and 47% (n = 74) felt comfortable recommending PrEP. Post intervention 91% (n = 39) of trainees who responded identified the appropriate regimen. No statistically significant changes in trainees’ perceptions regarding SE, adherence development of resistance and risk reduction practices were observed. 93% (n = 40) felt confident evaluating patient’s eligibility for PrEP and 98% (n = 42) felt comfortable recommending PrEP (P < 0.0001). 95% (n = 41) felt that the intervention was beneficial and 98% (n = 42) would recommend the education intervention to other trainees.ConclusionAfter a brief intervention medical trainees’ knowledge and comfort with prescribing PrEP improved. Modifications to the intervention are needed to improve perception regarding safety and efficacy. Improving PrEP uptake in the South will need continued formal PrEP education in the curriculum to advance perceptions and knowledge.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.