Education and Mentoring for HIV Prevention

IH
SA
Overseen BySara Al-Dahir, PharmD, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Xavier University of Louisiana.
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how effectively pharmacists in Louisiana can provide PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a medication for HIV prevention). It focuses on training pharmacists to understand and address health disparities and biases that might affect access to PrEP. The study also examines how state pharmacy policies impact equitable access to these medications. It specifically targets pharmacists in Louisiana who are already prescribing PrEP. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare access and equity in their community.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this education and mentoring method is safe for pharmacists?

A previous study showed that education and mentoring programs for healthcare providers are safe and well-tolerated. Participants in similar programs reported no major side effects. This suggests that the education and mentoring approach being tested is likely safe for pharmacists in the trial. The focus is on enhancing their knowledge and skills, not on administering or taking medication, so physical safety concerns are minimal.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring a new way to make HIV prevention more accessible by involving community-based pharmacies in Louisiana. Unlike traditional methods where PrEP prescriptions might only be available through clinics or hospitals, this program trains local pharmacists to prescribe and monitor PrEP. This could significantly increase access to HIV prevention, especially in areas with fewer healthcare facilities, making it easier for people to get the protection they need.

What evidence suggests that this education and mentoring program is effective for increasing equitable PrEP prescribing?

Research shows that training pharmacists in PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) education can greatly enhance their ability to prescribe and manage this HIV prevention treatment. In this trial, community-based pharmacies throughout Louisiana will join a cohort of trained pharmacies for PrEP prescriptions. Studies have found that pharmacists who receive special training during their residency are more effective at increasing the delivery and use of PrEP. This training equips pharmacists with the knowledge and confidence to assess patients for PrEP and initiate prescriptions. Additionally, guidance and educational materials on best practices for prescribing PrEP further support pharmacists in their role. This approach aims to improve equitable access to PrEP, especially in resource-limited communities.12345

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am a pharmacist in Louisiana prescribing PrEP.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Pharmacists undergo training to improve competence and capacity in PrEP prescribing, focusing on health disparities and implicit bias

12 months
Ongoing training sessions

Implementation

Implementation of a community-pharmacy based intervention to address PrEP prescribing among target populations

48 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for the impact of training and implementation on PrEP prescribing patterns

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Education and Mentoring for Prescribing Pharmacists

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Community Based PharmaciesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Xavier University of Louisiana.

Lead Sponsor

Trials
9
Recruited
2,700+

Louisiana Public Health Institute

Collaborator

Trials
7
Recruited
16,740,000+

Citations

Integrating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Education ...

Our study revealed PrEP training during residency was effective per stated objectives and may be an important tool to increase PrEP delivery/uptake.

Development and evaluation of an online HIV pre- exposure ...

This training was intended to equip pharmacists with the necessary knowledge and confidence to conduct PrEP assessments and initiate.

Study Details | NCT06530225 | Are Louisiana Pharmacists ...

In addition, the pharmacists will receive mentorship and receive an implementation toolkit on best practices for PrEP prescribing.

Assessing pharmacy students' HIV pre-exposure ...

We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of student pharmacists in their final two years of education and training at the three University of California ...

HIV PrEP: An Opportunity for Pharmacists

When taken daily, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV from sex or injection drug use. It is even more effective when combined with ...