Implementation and impact of a post-exposure prophylaxis helpline.
BACKGROUND
Despite a 2007 national and regional training programme, there was poor implementation of a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) programme to prevent occupational transmission of HIV in health care workers (HCWs) in Delhi. A new initiative was therefore launched by the Delhi State AIDS Control Society in 2010 to improve uptake of PEP in HCWs.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the implementation and efficacy of the PEP programme in Delhi.


METHODS
The initiative included a PEP poster and a telephone helpline together with a workshop for senior doctors of 46 public hospitals nominated as PEP supervisors. Data concerning use of the PEP help line and number of HCWs enrolling for PEP between January 2011 and May 2014 were analysed.


RESULTS
Until September 2010, only 61% (28) of Delhi hospitals had PEP drugs and medical supervisors to manage the programme and reports concerning the programme were not sent. After roll-out of the PEP helpline, 4057 HCWs accessed the helpline, all public hospitals started implementing the programme and sent monthly reports. During the same period, 1450 HCWs suffered from occupational exposures, 15% were started on PEP drugs of who 98% completed the full course of prophylaxis.


CONCLUSIONS
The PEP helpline is probably the first in a developing country and has been helpful for the effective implementation of the national PEP programme in Delhi.
Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, New Delhi-110085, India.
A K
AK
Gupta
Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, New Delhi-110085, India.
A C
AC
Gupta
Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, New Delhi-110085, India.
A
A
Gupta
Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, New Delhi-110085, India.
S S
SS
Ranga
Department of AIDS Control, National AIDS Control Organization, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi-110001, India.
B B
BB
Rewari
Delhi State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Delhi, New Delhi-110085, India.
A P
AP
Bansal
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000458:organization & administration*; D057175:Posters as Topic; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
HIV/AIDS; occupational exposure; post-exposure prophylaxis.