Abstract
This scoping review investigates the challenges people in the United States encounter in obtaining post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and explores how pharmacists might improve access to care. Within seventy-two hours of exposure, patients should obtain PEP treatment to prevent the HIV virus from replicating after potential exposure. Potentially-exposed individuals should visit one of the three Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested places to obtain PEP: an urgent care center, a provider’s office, or an emergency department. Only 13 states allow pharmacists to furnish or dispense PEP from a retail pharmacy, but those in thirty-seven US states cannot acquire PEP from their neighborhood pharmacies. Receiving timely care is further complicated by a lack of healthcare personnel across the United States. The review aims to identify barriers and investigate how pharmacists can improve access to PEP, especially in rural areas and locations with a shortage of healthcare professionals. Previous studies have demonstrated that pharmacists can play a significant role in ensuring HIV preventative care accessibility by attempting to lessen stigma, raising awareness of PEP's accessibility, and including pharmacists in the HIV preventative care continuum. The study aims to learn more about the sociocultural barriers preventing people from obtaining HIV-preventative care, therefore contributing to the rise in infections in the United States and a public health concern. Furthermore, this review explores ways to minimize health disparities experienced by underserved groups to contribute to overall infection mitigation and quality of life improvement in the United States.