How Stigma, Unconscious Bias Impacts Health Outcomes for Patients Seeking, Using PrEP for HIV Prevention

Pharmacy Times interviewed Harry Webster, RPh, a registered pharmacist at Walgreens in Atlanta and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, on the impact of stigma associated with PrEP and HIV on patients seeking to treat or prevent HIV.

With more than 20 years of experience working in the HIV space, Webster explained some best practices for pharmacists when counseling patients on PrEP; the impact on health systems of the announcement that the 2 approved PrEP drugs for HIV prevention, Truvada and Descovy, will be covered by nearly all health insurers; recommendations for health care professionals who are interested in understanding and overcoming any unconscious bias or stigma when providing care for patients in the HIV space; and the value of the pharmacist in supporting patients’ access to Truvada and Descovy for HIV prevention.