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Staff Perspectives on Implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Preexposure Prophylaxis at a Low-Barrier Syringe Services Program in Philadelphia, PA
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Staff Perspectives on Implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Preexposure Prophylaxis at a Low-Barrier Syringe Services Program in Philadelphia, PA

Marina Plesons, Elana Forman, Erin C McDowell, Douglas Krakower, K Rivet Amico, Allison K Groves, Alexis Roth and Tyler S Bartholomew
Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, v 25
Feb 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582261420655
PMID: 41671099
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582261420655View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)CC BY-NC V4.0,  Open

Abstract

Anti-HIV Agents - administration & dosage Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use Attitude of Health Personnel Health Personnel - psychology HIV Infections - prevention & control Humans Injections Interviews as Topic Male Needle-Exchange Programs Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis - methods Pyridones - administration & dosage Pyridones - therapeutic use Substance Abuse, Intravenous - complications
IntroductionLong-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising HIV prevention tool for people who inject drugs (PWID), who face elevated HIV risk and barriers to care. While acceptable to PWID, CAB-LA implementation in low-barrier syringe services programs (SSPs) has not been examined.MethodsFrom August 2023 to July 2025, we conducted semistructured interviews with 12 SSP staff involved in CAB-LA delivery. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.ResultsFacilitators included CAB-LA's relative advantage over oral PrEP, external technical support, 340B pharmacy revenue, alignment with SSP mission and workflows, motivated staff, and financial incentives. Barriers included lack of FDA approval for PWID, complex logistics, performance pressures, infrastructure constraints, competing priorities, staff workload, and client outreach and engagement.ConclusionIntegrating CAB-LA into SSPs is promising, but successful implementation requires targeted strategies, including additional resources, workflow adaptations, and enhanced outreach.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Infectious Diseases
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