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Filippone P, Serrano S, Campos S, Freeman R, Cluesman SR, Israel K, Amos B, Cleland CM, Gwadz M. Understanding why racial/ethnic inequities along the HIV care continuum persist in the United States: a qualitative exploration of systemic barriers from the perspectives of African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:168. [PMID: 37649049 PMCID: PMC10466874 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial/ethnic inequities along the HIV care continuum persist in the United States despite substantial federal investment. Numerous studies highlight individual and social-level impediments in HIV, but fewer foreground systemic barriers. The present qualitative study sought to uncover and describe systemic barriers to the HIV care continuum from the perspectives of African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV (PLWH) with unsuppressed HIV viral load, including how barriers operated and their effects. METHODS Participants were African American/Black and Latino PLWH with unsuppressed HIV viral load (N = 41). They were purposively sampled for maximum variability on key indices from a larger study. They engaged in semi-structured in-depth interviews that were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis. RESULTS Participants were 49 years old, on average (SD = 9), 76% were assigned male sex at birth, 83% were African American/Black and 17% Latino, 34% were sexual minorities (i.e., non-heterosexual), and 22% were transgender/gender-nonbinary. All had indications of chronic poverty. Participants had been diagnosed with HIV 19 years prior to the study, on average (SD = 9). The majority (76%) had taken HIV medication in the six weeks before enrollment, but at levels insufficient to reach HIV viral suppression. Findings underscored a primary theme describing chronic poverty as a fundamental cause of poor engagement. Related subthemes were: negative aspects of congregate versus private housing settings (e.g., triggering substance use and social isolation); generally positive experiences with health care providers, although structural and cultural competency appeared insufficient and managing health care systems was difficult; pharmacies illegally purchased HIV medication from PLWH; and COVID-19 exacerbated barriers. Participants described mitigation strategies and evidenced resilience. CONCLUSIONS To reduce racial/ethnic inequities and end the HIV epidemic, it is necessary to understand African American/Black and Latino PLWH's perspectives on the systemic impediments they experience throughout the HIV care continuum. This study uncovers and describes a number of salient barriers and how they operate, including unexpected findings regarding drug diversion and negative aspects of congregate housing. There is growing awareness that systemic racism is a core determinant of systemic barriers to HIV care continuum engagement. Findings are interpreted in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prema Filippone
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Samantha Serrano
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Stephanie Campos
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Robin Freeman
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Sabrina R Cluesman
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Khadija Israel
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Brianna Amos
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Charles M Cleland
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Marya Gwadz
- New York University Silver School of Social Work, 1 Washington Place North, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
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Aragon KG, Ray G, Conklin J, Stever E, Marquez C, Magallanes A, Anderson J, Jakeman B. Underprescribing of statin therapy in people with HIV at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:2026-2031. [PMID: 35976174 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to guideline recommendations on statin use in PWH for both primary and secondary ASCVD prevention in a single healthcare institution. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate statin use for cardiovascular risk reduction in PWH 40 to 75 years of age at an HIV clinic over a 1-year evaluation period. The study included patients who met one of the 4 criteria for statin therapy defined in the "ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults." Patient demographics were collected and a 10-year ASCVD risk score was calculated. RESULTS A total of 432 PWH were evaluated for statin therapy; 205 patients (47.5%) met criteria for statin therapy. The majority of patients were male, the average age was 58 years, and the average time since HIV diagnosis was 19 years. The mean ASCVD risk score was 14.2%. Only 79 patients (38.5%) who met criteria were prescribed statin therapy, and only 45 (56.9%) were prescribed statin therapy of appropriate intensity. Use of ART pharmacokinetic enhancer was low and did not affect statin prescribing. Multivariable analysis found that age, diabetes, clinical ASCVD, and an appointment with a pharmacist clinician prescriber predicted statin utilization. A high ASCVD risk score (>20%) did not predict statin treatment. CONCLUSION Statin prescribing is low in PWH, who are at increased risk for ASCVD. Future research in PWH should focus on improving ASCVD risk assessment and exploring causes for statin underprescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsea Gallegos Aragon
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, and University of New Mexico Truman Health Services, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Gretchen Ray
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jessica Conklin
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, University of New Mexico Truman Health Services, Albuquerque, NM, and Department of Pharmacy, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Erin Stever
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Carlos Marquez
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Adan Magallanes
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Joe Anderson
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Bernadette Jakeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, and University of New Mexico Truman Health Services, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel mechanisms of service delivery are needed to expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Providing PrEP directly through pharmacies could offer an additional option for reaching potential users. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of studies examining effectiveness, values and preferences of end users and health workers, and cost of PrEP initiation and continuation through pharmacies (pharmacy access). We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE through 2 December 2020. We also searched clinical trial registries and recent HIV conference abstracts. Standardised methods were used to search, screen and extract data from included studies. RESULTS No studies met the inclusion criteria for the effectiveness review, for either PrEP initiation or continuation. However, six 'case studies' presenting non-comparative data from PrEP pharmacy programmes demonstrated feasibility of this model in the USA. Eleven studies reported values and preferences of end users and health workers. In the USA, Kenya and South Africa, potential PrEP clients generally supported pharmacy access, although some preferred clinics. One study of PrEP pharmacy clients found all would 'definitely recommend' the programme. Six studies found pharmacists were generally supportive of offering PrEP; one study including doctors found more limited favour, while one study of diverse Kenyan stakeholders found broad support. Three studies reported cost data indicating client willingness to pay in the USA and Kenya and initial sustainability of a clinic financial model in the USA. CONCLUSION Provision of PrEP through pharmacies has been demonstrated to be feasible in the USA and acceptable to potential end users and stakeholders in multiple settings. Limited evidence on effectiveness and requirements for laboratory testing and assurance of high-quality services may limit enthusiasm for this approach. Further research is needed to determine if pharmacy access is a safe and effective way to help achieve global HIV prevention goals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021231650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Atkins
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Ferguson
- Keck School of Medicine, Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Department of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Cabanilla MG, Anselmo LM, Sosa NR, Ryan KL. Implementation and providers' views of a pharmacist clinician on an inpatient infectious diseases consult service at an academic medical center. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa M. Anselmo
- Department of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Hospital Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - Nestor R. Sosa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - Keenan L. Ryan
- Department of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Hospital Albuquerque New Mexico USA
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Chaudhary S, Ray R, Glass B. Pharmacists' role in transgender healthcare: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1553-1561. [PMID: 33436315 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender patients have unique healthcare needs, providing pharmacists with the opportunity to play an important role in transgender care through addressing the healthcare disparities observed in this patient group. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to explore the role of pharmacists in transgender healthcare. METHODS Six databases were searched from inception: Emcare, Informit, MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The first author performed screening and data extraction in consensus with co-authors. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was utilised to report this review. Themes related to the role of pharmacists in transgender healthcare were identified. RESULTS A total of 356 studies were identified; however, only 15 studies, all from the USA met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Study types included empirical research, practice reports and opinion pieces such as commentaries, editorials, and reports. Pharmacists were found to practise in two different care settings: community and interdisciplinary clinics, performing various roles in transgender healthcare, including patient education and counselling, management of cross-sex hormonal therapy, patient advocacy and provision of preventative care. They were also responsible for the provision of culturally sensitive care in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Although pharmacists considered their role important, they lacked confidence in their knowledge to provide appropriate care to this patient group. CONCLUSION This review has highlighted that there is a need for education in transgender care for both pharmacists and pharmacy students, so that they are both confident and comfortable to play a meaningful role in transgender care. Pharmacists' involvement in addressing the health disparities experienced will contribute to improving the overall health outcomes for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Chaudhary
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Robin Ray
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Beverley Glass
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Ajlan AA, Al-Gain R, Ahmed M, Abu-Riash T, Alquaiz M, Alkhail FA, Alashgar H, Alkhairallah T, Alkortas D, Al-Jedai A. Developing a multidisciplinary HCV direct-acting antivirals utilization management and assessment program. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 61:e159-e170. [PMID: 33309191 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has revolutionized outcomes for patients with HCV. Cost-effective use of these antivirals in addition to ensuring patient adherence is of paramount importance. OBJECTIVES The goal of this article is to describe the processes by which a tertiary care, multisite institution managed the complexities involved in administering DAA treatment and managing the increased cost of therapy. Specifically, the objectives of this article are to describe the development of a multidisciplinary HCV management program and the role of pharmacists in this program, including formulary management strategies and monitoring of DAAs use in our institution, development of guidelines, electronic prescribing protocols and order sets, and specific outcomes based on a concurrent medication use evaluation. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is a tertiary care referral hospital. As a tertiary referral hospital, it offers primary and highly specialized inpatient and outpatient medical care. The process of selecting and developing institutional HCV management program is described. PRACTICE INNOVATION This article provides key details regarding how a multidisciplinary HCV program using DAAs can be implemented successfully at a tertiary care facility. Key facets of our innovation include establishing formulary guidelines, setting up eligibility criteria for patients, and establishing an HCV taskforce and multidisciplinary HCV program clinic. EVALUATION Medication use evaluations were regularly conducted to monitor sustained virologic response rates, adherence to guidelines, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. METHODS Formulary guidelines, setting up an eligibility criterion for patients, and an HCV taskforce and multidisciplinary HCV program clinic were established. RESULTS The involvement of pharmacists in a multidisciplinary HCV program in outpatient settings resulted in improved formulary decision making, reduction of costs, and improvement of adherence to institutional guidelines. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The role of a pharmacist in the management of patients with HCV with DAAs is important. Pharmacists play an integral part in medication management and overall reduction in health care expenditure. Many disease management programs can be complemented with pharmacists to improve patient care and reduce cost. CONCLUSION HCV treatment is challenging, and a multidisciplinary approach to treat HCV is critical. It is a rapidly evolving field; therefore, it requires dynamic formulary management and collaborative practice approaches to monitor pharmacotherapy carefully and efficiently. Clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role within the multidisciplinary team by providing support to both patients and health care providers with regard to the treatment of HCV.
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