(1216) A Survey to Improve Pharmacists' Readiness to Prescribe Prep in Arkansas

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to determine perceived barriers and readiness of pharmacists in high need areas for pharmacist-initiated PrEP prescribing. Arkansas is one of seven states that has a high proportion of HIV diagnoses in rural areas, with minority populations experiencing a disproportionate impact from the virus. The PrEP-to-Need Ratio (PNR) measures the number of PrEP users over the number of new HIV incidences – a lower PNR is indicative of a higher need for PrEP. State-specific data for 2022, obtained from AIDSVu.org, shows the statewide PNR of 5.05 is far below the national average of 12.06, indicating the increased need for PrEP statewide. Arkansas Act 314 was signed into law in March of 2023, which allows pharmacists to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) through a statewide protocol that is being developed.

Methods: The data available on ADISVu.org, for PrEP users and number of new HIV cases, will be quantitatively reviewed to determine PNR at the county level for Arkansas, when possible. A cross sectional, electronic survey will be distributed to pharmacists in the highest need Arkansas counties. Pharmacists will be sent an electronic survey to assess perceived barriers and readiness for the new statewide prescribing protocol. Survey questions will include multiple choice, open ended, and Likert scale questions in the following categories: barriers, utilization of the new protocol, educational needs, and impact on pharmacy workflow. The survey will be open 8 weeks, and weekly reminders will be sent to non-responders. No incentives will be offered to complete the survey. Study data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: N/A