266532 From protocol to pilot: Taking baby steps in policy development for a citywide non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) HIV prevention strategy

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Zupenda Davis, MPH, MCHES, DrPH(c) , Pennsylvania/MidAtlantic AIDS Education & Training Center, Health Federation of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Issues: In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines for antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis following sexual, injection-drug use, and other non-occupational exposure to HIV (nPEP). These guidelines, although widely accepted, have not been incorporated in most Philadelphia clinical practices and emergency departments. As a result, patients seeking nPEP often face challenges finding this valuable resource when needed. In 2010, a needs assessment distributed to local HIV service providers indicated limited availability of nPEP. Currently, Philadelphia's incidence rate of HIV infection is five times that of the national HIV incidence rate. Description: An AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) convened a Post Exposure Response Community Workgroup to assess the availability of nPEP in Philadelphia and develop local guidelines to improve accessibility. The Workgroup comprises representatives from the local health department, the local Family Planning grantee, Ryan White Parts A and D providers, and several area hospitals. The Workgroup identified various HIV providers to assist with patient follow-up care. Lessons Learned: Collaborative efforts with various health care/social service agencies were very instrumental to developing local guidelines, policies and procedures. Prior to policy development, a pilot program should be implemented to determine essential elements and logistics needed for effective policy implementation. Recommendations: Components of a local nPEP strategy that should be considered prior to policy development include: funding sources for pilot program implementation; availability and capacity for nPEP provision and patient follow-up; and a local AETC that can serve as a neutral convener of diverse provider and public health stakeholders.

Learning Areas:
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
List social-cultural-political factors that can enhance and hinder policy development for a citywide non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) HIV prevention strategy Define the importance of implementing a pilot program prior to developing a policy Assess the role that an AIDS Education and Training Center plays in translating CDC-sponsored nPEP guidelines into a practical implementation plan which addresses HIV prevention needs of an urban city

Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked in the area of HIV prevention for 16 years. Over the last two years, I have spearheaded the Post Exposure Response Community Workgroup that is involved with the development and implementation of a local HIV prevention policy. My public health interests are developing strategies for preventing HIV in underserved and minority populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4403.0: HIV/AIDS Policy