Young people aged 13-24, especially those experiencing homelessness, face a high risk of HIV infection. This study aims to enhance access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for youth in a homeless shelter-associated clinic. Using a model for improvement framework, the researchers conducted multiple cycles of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) to identify at-risk patients and establish a process for in-house PrEP prescriptions.

Results showed a significant increase in screening for eligible youth, rising from 0% to 98%. Initially, 92% of patients were referred to external services, resulting in no youth initiating PrEP. However, after implementing in-house prescribing, 79% of eligible and interested youth received PrEP prescriptions.

The findings highlight that access to PrEP can be significantly improved for at-risk youth experiencing homelessness through enhanced screening and the establishment of community partnerships.