HIV preexposure prophylaxis education in adult-gerontology primary care and family nurse practitioner programs: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Engaging primary care providers in HIV prevention, particularly through the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is essential to ending the HIV epidemic.

PURPOSE: To assess the extent to which PrEP education is included in family nurse practitioner (FNP) and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP-AG) program curricula and the level of knowledge program leaders have regarding PrEP.

METHODOLOGY: An internet survey was distributed between January and June 2024 to program leaders from 463 US institutions offering AGPCNP and/or FNP programs. The survey examined participants' familiarity with PrEP and whether PrEP was included in each program's curriculum. Participants rated their agreement with statements across 3 exploratory PrEP care domains: (1) effectiveness, impact, and access, (2) safety and risks, and (3) clinical practice and patient management.

RESULTS

Of the 188 institutions represented in the sample, 84% reported addressed PrEP in their curriculum. However, only 67% could correctly identify the clinical indications for PrEP, and just 18% identified all 3 Food and Drug Administration-approved PrEP medications. Exploratory analysis of Likert-style PrEP beliefs items revealed variability in perceptions of PrEP among faculty respondents that could affect curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PrEP is addressed in U.S. FNP and AGPCNP-AG programs, gaps in faculty knowledge remain, particularly concerning its clinical indications and approved medications. These knowledge gaps could hinder the integration of PrEP into primary care practice.

IMPLICATIONS: Freely available resources, such as online modules and expert-led webinars, could be an effective strategy to augment PrEP education in the classroom.