How Long-Acting Injectable PrEP Reshapes the Patient–Provider Relationship

Compared with oral PrEP, which often becomes a low-touch, automated process involving lab testing and refills, long-acting injectable PrEP for the prevention of HIV requires patients to return to the clinic approximately 6 times per year. While this represents a greater time commitment, Kevin Hatfield, MD, a family medicine and primary care physician, noted in a recent interview that many patients come to value the increased contact with their care team.

Speaking to Patient Care^©, Dr Hatfield of Optum Health Partners in Seattle Washington, said his patients frequently report that injectable PrEP frees up “mental bandwidth.” Not having to remember a daily pill reduces anxiety and cognitive burden, particularly for those juggling busy or unpredictable schedules. This relief is often something patients do not anticipate until they experience it firsthand.

From a clinical perspective, these visits also create opportunities to address other health concerns that may not surface during routine refill-driven care. Hatfield noted that patients often raise additional questions or issues during injection visits, strengthening continuity and trust. More in the video above.

Patient Care: How does long-acting injectable PrEP change the clinical relationship and adherence compared with oral PrEP, and what have you observed about patient engagement?

Hatfield: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help patients understand their options and choose what works best for them. With oral PrEP, visits can be low-touch and automated. With long-acting injectable PrEP (cabotegravir LA [Apretude®], NCT02720094), patients come in six times a year. Some realize they value that extra face time.

Patients often tell me that it frees up mental bandwidth—not having to remember a pill every day. That relief is something they didn’t anticipate. It also strengthens the patient–provider relationship. Patients will mention small aspects of the injection experience, which deepens trust and communication.

This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity and flow.