For the first time, HIV PrEP users will be able to access necessary tests and preventative medication for HIV without having to make an in-person visit to clinics.

This pilot is funded by East Sussex County Council, and delivered by remote diagnostic provider and DHC member Preventx, in partnership with not-for-profit community interest company The Love Tank CIC, and Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor.

Those wishing to access the new service will complete an online triage through SH.UK. This is followed by a preliminary telephone call with a clinician. If suitable they will be sent an at-home sampling kit, allowing them to undertake necessary tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C. If the HIV test comes back negative, the user will then be sent a renal function test along with a one-month prescription of HIV PrEP. If this renal test is within a normal range, they will be offered up to a six-month prescription for HIV PrEP. Users will then be able to order repeat prescriptions online, which will be posted to them.

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health for East Sussex said “There is currently nothing like this available in England. We are excited to see the results of the pilot and how this innovative model can be used by others nationally and internationally to help achieve the aim set out in the England HIV action plan to end HIV transmission occurring in England by 2030.”

HIV PrEP is a key part of NHS England’s HIV prevention strategy and is available by prescription from a health professional at NHS sexual health clinics. However, research has highlighted barriers to access, with 58% of clinicians having concerns about missed opportunities for HIV PrEP initiation. Worryingly, previous research has also shown that more than half (57%) of those who indicated being placed on a HIV PrEP waiting list had waited more than 12 weeks.

In a new survey, more than half of HIV PrEP users (57%) reported they would prefer to have their medication posted to them than collect in-person (43%).

While anyone can face difficulty accessing HIV PrEP, for a number of reasons, previous research from The Love Tank CIC has highlighted barriers to access to HIV PrEP for gay and bisexual men. This includes stigma, difficulty accessing appointments and hard to navigate pathways.

By allowing people to undertake all necessary tests and receive medication at home, it is hoped the service will improve equity of access.

This project aligns with the government’s ambition to end new transmissions of HIV in England by 2030. Results from the East Sussex pilot project will be shared to help support commissioners and providers widen access to HIV PrEP. This week Preventx Medical Director, Dr Vanessa Apea appeared live on BBC Radio 4’s the Today Programme to talk about the new service. You can listen here (starts at 50 mins).

The advantages of the service that Vanessa points out – reducing barriers to access, increasing convenience, adding capacity into a busy system – apply to many digital health services. And Vanessa points out that this isn’t about replacing in-person services but rather complementing them for those who want or need to access NHS services online.

Great work, Preventx!