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Background: The 2022 mpox outbreak has disproportionately affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends JYNNEOS vaccination for people at high risk for mpox infection. To better understand reasons for not getting the mpox vaccine, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) and CDC conducted a virtual focus group with unvaccinated MSM who are at-risk for mpox. Methods: In October and November 2022, MSM were recruited through online panels to participate in a virtual 60-minute, moderated focus group within an artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Participants were asked open- and closed-ended questions through a chat-based conversation. The AI platform used machine learning and natural language processing to immediately analyze participants' responses and provide results instantly to the moderator. After the session, descriptive frequencies, cross-tabulations and qualitative themes were analyzed. Results: Fifty-one MSM participated, of whom 39% reported wanting the mpox vaccine but 76% had never tried to get it. When participants were asked if they would get the vaccine if it were available to them right now, 55% reported they would, with similar proportions of white (55%), Black (50%), and Latino/Hispanic (44%) men answering affirmatively. Concerns about getting vaccinated included injection site scarring (31%), rashes (29%), or fear of healthcare provider stigmatization (27%). The top three barriers experienced when trying to get the vaccine included: challenges in scheduling appointments (33%), finding available vaccine locations (25%), and transportation issues (17%). Among the participants who want the vaccine, 70% considered themselves to be at high or medium risk of contracting mpox. Conclusion: Gay, bisexual, and other MSM experience barriers in accessing the mpox vaccine, a vital prevention tool to averting another outbreak. Messaging about vaccine effectiveness, potential side effects, and how to access the vaccine may improve vaccine uptake. Improving healthcare provider cultural competency, expanding vaccine availability, and establishing non-traditional vaccination programs such as at pop-up events may also improve uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary care providers (PCPs) are essential components of a health care system, but there are shortages of PCPs. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential in meeting the needs of an increased demand for primary care, but there is a wide variety in the training offered to NP students. The purpose of this analysis is to determine student self-reported comfort in a variety of care delivery, covering primary care topics, including knowledge and skills. We conducted a preclinical and postclinical survey. Surveys were obtained before and at the conclusion of two clinical rotations in Baltimore, MD. Students were a part of a Health Resources and Services Administration–funded program to prepare NP students to practice in urban, underserved settings. Seventeen NP students NP students responded to both our pre- and postsurveys. Overall, student comfort increased in many focus areas, but no change was seen in important domains, including interpreting imaging studies, filling out common forms, and interpreting certain diagnostic tests. Further study of student skills and confidence at the conclusion of their study would be beneficial in determining if these gaps persist at entry into NP practice. Given wide variation in NP student training programs, it would be additionally beneficial to understand how these differences impact student skills and confidence during their clinical rotations and on entry to practice. Well rounded, broad-based education is necessary for the development of highly trained PCPs; greater understanding of student confidence, knowledge, and skills can assist educators in assuring that all NPs enter practice as safe and competent providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 restructured the health care delivery process, catapulting telemedicine to the mainstream. The Johns Hopkins After Care Clinic (JHACC) continued transprofessional health care delivery in the telemedicine space by shifting to remote, asynchronous collaboration and a triage system. In 1 month after starting telemedicine, the JHACC had 907 encounters for 376 unique patients. Most patients reported satisfaction with their visits. Telemedicine lengthened visit completion times. Providers encountered many failed call attempts and limited access to videoconferencing. Barriers to sustainable interprofessional telemedicine include poor social determinants of health, limited reimbursement for nonphysician health professionals, and increased clinical and administrative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 restructured the health care delivery process, catapulting telemedicine to the mainstream. The Johns Hopkins After Care Clinic (JHACC) continued transprofessional health care delivery in the telemedicine space by shifting to remote, asynchronous collaboration and a triage system. In 1 month after starting telemedicine, the JHACC had 907 encounters for 376 unique patients. Most patients reported satisfaction with their visits. Telemedicine lengthened visit completion times. Providers encountered many failed call attempts and limited access to videoconferencing. Barriers to sustainable interprofessional telemedicine include poor social determinants of health, limited reimbursement for nonphysician health professionals, and increased clinical and administrative time.