Barriers and facilitators to initiating PrEP conversations: Perspectives and experiences of health care providers

Using qualitative interviews, this study explored the barriers and facilitators of health care providers (HCPs) in initiating PrEP conversation with patients. Twenty-eight HCPs in two counties listed in the New York State Department of Health PrEP/PEP Voluntary Provider Directory were asked to participate in the study. Five themes evolved from the interview, each theme acting as both barriers and facilitators to initiating PrEP conversations: (a) providers comfort levels, (b) taking sexual histories, (c) time, (c) patients comfort levels discussing sexual health, and (c) HCPs’ perceptions of patients’ risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. These findings demonstrate the need for evidence-based interventions for initiation of PrEP conversations in health care settings.