Student perceptions of PrEP in an advanced HIV elective

Background: The United States (U.S.) Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that over one million U.S. adults could benefit from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but only 90,000 PrEP prescriptions are being filled annually. Pharmacists are well-positioned to offer PrEP, but a lack of awareness and knowledge about HIV PrEP has been a limitation. This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge, confidence, and perceptions of pharmacy students towards the use of HIV PrEP in high-risk populations before and after receiving a PrEP and PEP module in a two-credit hour Advanced HIV Elective course.  
Methods: Faculty in an Advanced HIV Elective course implemented a PrEP module and evaluated the impact on pharmacy student knowledge, confidence, and attitudes in 2020.    
Results: Participation led to a significant increase in student pharmacist confidence in offering patient education regarding the use of PrEP, risk mitigation counselling, accurately ordering labs, monitoring patients taking PrEP, and HIV medication therapy management. Additionally, HIV education shows decreased stigma and negative attitudes towards high-risk individuals.     
Conclusion: Integration of a PrEP module increased student pharmacist knowledge and confidence in providing PrEP services while reducing stigma towards those with HIV.