B6 – PrEP In The Treatment Of Opioid Use Disorder: An Integrative Team’s Perspective

Summary

People with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have complex healthcare needs that are best addressed by integrated care teams. Although the number of new HIV diagnoses in the United States decreased by 9% between 2010 and 2017, the rate of new infection among people with OUD is increasing. This is due not only to the sharing of needles, but because people with OUD being more likely to engage in high risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, these individuals face increased discrimination, have poor access to appropriate substance abuse treatment, and experience higher rates of incarceration, homelessness, and other socioeconomic factors that adversely impact their health. All of this places them at an increased risk for acquiring HIV. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available to the public since 2012, the use of the medication has not been widely adopted, even among medical providers treating members of high risk groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that PrEP is 99% effective at preventing the transmission of HIV, when used correctly. Therefore, we believe that the inclusion of PrEP navigation should be standard in primary care-based opioid use disorder treatment. Providing comprehensive care within an integrated healthcare team that includes mental health, medical, dental, nutrition, and social service providers is the most effective way to accomplish these goals. Attendees will be educated about the clinical utility of PrEP navigation as part of OUD treatment, as well as how to discuss sexual health and PrEP with patients in an open, thoughtful, non-judgmental manner. Using the results of a patient survey about attitudes toward PrEP along with clinic experiences providing integrated care to this population, the presenters will discuss the challenges and successes that we have faced in our own organization while implementing this as best practice. Data from the patient survey will also inform recommendations for overcoming barriers and best practices.