title: Pre-elective HIV postexposure prophylaxis clinic for medical students: design, protocol, uptake and effectiveness.
abstract: We sought to evaluate medical student need for HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) prior to their elective and introduce a 'Pilot PEP Clinic'. We undertook a survey of 388 medical students to assess their elective plans. All were offered an appointment in a clinic, assessed via a protocol and provided a PEP 'starter-pack' prescription if criteria were met. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to assess the acceptability of the clinic. The pre-elective questionnaire response rate was 232/388 (60%); 72/232 (31%) of respondents planned their elective in areas of high HIV prevalence and, of these, 32/72 (45%) attended the clinic. Of 32, 31 (97%) met the clinic protocol criteria and received a prescription for PEP. Of 32, 29 (90%) completed the follow-up questionnaire and every respondent rated the clinic as acceptable. The main concern was the cost of antiretroviral medications. We conclude that a 'Pre-elective HIV PEP Clinic' is an acceptable way to provide students with safe access to PEP prior to their elective.
authors.affiliation: College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. kstacey@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stacey
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sellers
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barrett
mesh_terms: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents