NYC Health + Hospitals Study Shows EMR-Based Tools and Provider Training Expanded Access to HIV Prevention Medication - NYC Health + Hospitals

February 12, 2026 - 19:51

A new study demonstrates that integrating specialized tools into electronic medical records (EMR), combined with focused provider education, can dramatically increase access to crucial HIV prevention medication. The initiative, focused on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), was implemented across the city's public hospital system.

The program embedded PrEP-specific order sets, clinical reminders, and streamlined lab panels directly into the EMR workflow. This technical innovation was paired with comprehensive training for healthcare providers, empowering them to identify eligible patients and confidently prescribe the medication. The approach removed common logistical and knowledge barriers that often hinder PrEP adoption in busy clinical settings.

Results from the system-wide rollout were significant. The study recorded a substantial increase in the number of patients who were both prescribed PrEP and successfully completed the necessary follow-up steps to begin treatment. This indicates that the tools not only prompted more initial prescriptions but also supported patients through the entire initiation process.

Public health officials emphasize that this model is a powerful strategy for ending the HIV epidemic. By making prevention a default part of routine medical care through smart system design and clinician support, healthcare institutions can reach more individuals at risk. The success of this program offers a scalable blueprint for other health systems nationwide aiming to reduce new HIV transmissions through proactive, equitable access to prevention.