Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which involves HIV-negative people taking combination antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection, was subsidised by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in April 2018. GPs and HIV/sexual health specialists are key actors in prescribing PrEP to ensure maximal coverage of populations at risk of acquiring HIV, particularly gay and bisexual men. However, little research has been conducted in Australia to explore the various factors which shape the context and experience of prescribing PrEP.
This four-year qualitative study was undertaken as part of  PhD thesis. The study aimed to understand the effects of PrEP on clinical practice in a time of rapid change. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 28 clinicians – including sexual health nurses and doctors, and general practitioners – involved in prescribing PrEP in New South Wales and Western Australia in 2019-2020. The study has deepened our understanding of how clinicians engage with new areas of practice an