There is a need for increased awareness, knowledge of, and access to PrEP, particularly within high risk populations
The KnowNOW platform is a HIPAA-compliant web and smartphone application that delivers standard care via teleconsulation for:
STI testing HIV testing PrEP assessment PrEP prescriptions
Video Chat
Users can video chat
live with a doctor
lab tests
Users can receive lab testing
via conveniently-located
partner labs
secure messages
Users can send/receive secure text messages with a doctor
Prescriptions
Users can receive prescriptions through the platform
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 2019 AND JUNE 2019 HITLAB CONDUCTED A SINGLE-ARM, PILOT STUDY OF THE KNOWNOW PLATFORM TO EVALUATE ITS USABILITY, FEASIBILITY, AND ACCEPTABILITY FOR THE PrEP ASSESSMENT AMONG 15 INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING PrEP.
After downloading the app on their phones, participants used the KnowNOW platform to attempt to get assessed for PrEP. Virtual PrEP assessment included a video chat with one of the KnowNOW doctors and a visit to a local partner lab (for blood and urine testing). Participants received their test results from the doctor as well as a prescription for PrEP if eligible. Participants were interviewed about their experience using KnowNOW and were asked questions to gauge the usability and acceptability of the platform.
You can be sitting in your home, you don’t have to be physically present with somebody. It’s not the doctor you see all the time for everything so you don’t feel so weird talking to them about stuff that some people might be uncomfortable talking about.
—KnowNOW Study Participant
"A LOT OF PEOPLE START PrEP, AND THEN THEY DISCONTINUE IT, THEN THEY START, AND THEN DISCONTINUE IT. THIS APP IS HELPFUL FOR GETTING THE MEDICATION TO PATIENTS WHEN THEY NEED IT."
—KnowNOW Study Participant
MAJORITY OF PARTICIPANTS MENTIONED EXISTING BARRIERS TO PrEP ASSESSMENT,
including lack of time, cost, stigma or lack of provider knowledge and all believed KnowNOW could alleviate some of these barriers.
Majority of participants felt
the cost per visit was fair due
to time/travel saved
but noted that coverage by insurance was a priority in order for increased access among low-income individuals.
All participants felt KnowNOW was more convenient than
an in-person doctor’s visit
and most found KnowNOW to be at least
as comfortable as (if not more comfortable
than) an in-person doctor’s visit.
A few participants emphasized
the value in knowing whether
a doctor is LGBTQ-competent,
with some suggesting the addition of short
bios to make a better, informed decision.
majority of participants
would prefer a “one-stop shop” experience to the current external texting feature
e.g. integrate secure text-messaging
within the
KnowNOW platform
in general, participants felt KnowNOW was easy to use,
and most would be open to
using the platform again.
The KnowNOW platform is currently available for download on the app store and through www.KnowNOWSTD.com
KnowNOW is considering additional features to improve the user experience, such as PrEP educational materials and medication reminder alerts
KnowNOW is expanding beyond
HIV prevention and STI care to include new services, such as prescribing medical marijuana and suboxone treatment
"HAD THIS BEEN AN APP WHEN MY FRIEND WAS TRYING TO SIGN UP FOR PrEP, MAYBE HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE MEDICATION IN TIME."
—KnowNOW Study Participant
HITLAB Breakthrough Alliance was created to accelerate a greater number of digital health innovations through the generation of exclusive, evidence-based research and insights. This new digital health consortium is a subscription-based service with a mission to improve health outcomes and care delivery from verifying emerging technologies and research—driven by the perspectives and strategies of its members.
Making a difference in healthcare together, by
accelerating evidence-based digital solutions.
