Resumen

BACKGROUND: In 2021 BCN PrEP-Point modified the follow-up protocol, requiring a complete appointment every 6 months, rather than 3, and using 'quick follow-up' appointments using a HIV home self-test and STIs screening in between. Those who had taken PrEP for longer than 1 year with good adherence and adequate kidney function were eligible. These changes aimed to respond to the pandemic situation and allow more people to be included in the program, while also involving PrEP users in their own care. We wanted to evaluate the implementation of such changes. DESCRIPTION: This paper is an evaluation of the usage of HIV home self-testing to follow-up with men who have sex with men and transgender people taking PrEP in a community-based center in Barcelona. An online-based survey invitation was sent, informed consent was requested and local data protection laws were assured. The survey asked about: accuracy and clarity of the information/instructions given; experience of performing the HIV home self-test and STIs samples collection; the convenience of this 'quick follow-up' visit; and difficulties faced during the process. Responses were collected, analysed and discussed. LESSONS LEARNED: 434 participants answered the survey. 94.1% of participants agreed that the information and instructions for HIV home self-testing were clear and adequate. 75.5% found it easy to perform the HIV home self-test, and 92.9% found it easy to read the result. 95.8% of respondents found the 'quick follow-up' visit convenient and agile. However, 31.8% of the users felt anxiety about performing the HIV home self-test and 15.2% suggested they didn''t feel like using this service. Since implementation, the number of PrEP users has increased 18.9%. CONCLUSIONS: These changes have allowed the PrEP program to expand and were well received, encouraging users to be more responsible for their own care. Additional support was offered to users who experienced anxiety or didn't feel like using the service. We expect the number of people that feel uncomfortable and/or anxious to reduce as users become accustomed to performing home self-testing in the future. Home self-testing has become increasingly popular and offers a cheap, simple and useful tool in HIV prevention.