TELEHEALTH FOR PrEP ASSESSMENT
Findings on the KnowNOW Platform
An estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV. 1 out of 7 are unaware of their status
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018)
Individuals at a high risk for contracting HIV now can take a daily medication known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP has been shown to prevent HIV infection by more than 90%
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018)
There is a need for increased awareness, knowledge of, and access to PrEP, particularly within high risk populations
The KnowNOW platform is a
HIPAA-compliant web and
smartphone application that
delivers standard care via
teleconsulation for:
STI testing
HIV testing
PrEP assessment
PrEP prescriptions
Video Chat
Users can video chat live with a doctor
lab tests
Users can receive lab testing via conveniently-located partner labs
secure messages
Users can send/receive secure text messages with a doctor
Prescriptions
Users can receive prescriptions through the platform
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 2019 AND JUNE 2019 HITLAB CONDUCTED A SINGLE-ARM, PILOT STUDY OF THE KNOWNOW PLATFORM TO EVALUATE ITS USABILITY, FEASIBILITY, AND ACCEPTABILITY FOR THE PrEP ASSESSMENT AMONG 15 INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING PrEP.
After downloading the app on their phones, participants used the KnowNOW platform to attempt to get assessed for PrEP. Virtual PrEP assessment included a video chat with one of the KnowNOW doctors and a visit to a local partner lab (for blood and urine testing). Participants received their test results from the doctor as well as a prescription for PrEP if eligible. Participants were interviewed about their experience using KnowNOW and were asked questions to gauge the usability and acceptability of the platform.
You can be sitting in your home, you don’t have to be physically present with somebody. It’s not the doctor you see all the time for everything so you don’t feel so weird talking to them about stuff that some people might be uncomfortable talking about.
—KnowNOW Study Participant
"A LOT OF PEOPLE START PrEP, AND THEN THEY DISCONTINUE IT, THEN THEY START, AND THEN DISCONTINUE IT. THIS APP IS HELPFUL FOR GETTING THE MEDICATION TO PATIENTS WHEN THEY NEED IT."
—KnowNOW Study Participant
MAJORITY OF PARTICIPANTS MENTIONED EXISTING BARRIERS TO PrEP ASSESSMENT,
including lack of time, cost, stigma or lack of provider knowledge and all believed KnowNOW could alleviate some of these barriers.
Majority of participants felt the cost per visit was fair due to time/travel saved
but noted that coverage by insurance was a priority in order for increased access among low-income individuals.
All participants felt KnowNOW was more convenient than an in-person doctor’s visit
and most found KnowNOW to be at least as comfortable as (if not more comfortable than) an in-person doctor’s visit.
A few participants emphasized the value in knowing whether a doctor is LGBTQ-competent,
with some suggesting the addition of short bios to make a better, informed decision.
majority of participants would prefer a “one-stop shop” experience to the current external texting feature
e.g. integrate secure text-messaging within the KnowNOW platform
in general, participants felt KnowNOW was easy to use, and most would be open to using the platform again.
recent developments
January 2020
The KnowNOW platform is currently available for download on the app store and through www.KnowNOWSTD.com
KnowNOW is considering additional features to improve the user experience, such as PrEP educational materials and medication reminder alerts
KnowNOW is expanding beyond HIV prevention and STI care to include new services, such as prescribing medical marijuana and suboxone treatment
"HAD THIS BEEN AN APP WHEN MY FRIEND WAS TRYING TO SIGN UP FOR PrEP, MAYBE HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE MEDICATION IN TIME."
—KnowNOW Study Participant
