Percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre a profilaxia pré-exposição oral ao HIV em um hospital de referência na amazônia legal

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available through the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) since 2017. It consists of a fixed-dose combination of the antiretroviral drugs tenofovir and emtricitabine, with healthcare professionals serving as the primary point of access to this method. Many studies report judgmental and condemnatory attitudes from professionals regarding users' choices. These actions highlight existing gaps and stigmas, making it essential to listen to professionals about their experiences during consultations and to understand their perceptions of the care provided to this population. This study aims to understand the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the care provided to users of PrEP for HIV in a reference hospital. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted at the Hospital of Tropical Diseases of the Federal University of Tocantins (HDT/UFT). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 healthcare professionals working in PrEP care, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, and residents. The professionals identified the main barriers as a lack of training, scheduling difficulties, inadequate infrastructure, and low user adherence. In contrast, positive aspects included a welcoming environment, adapted communication, a strong connection during consultations, the use of self-tests, and the availability of the team. These findings reveal weaknesses and strengths that impact the effectiveness of PrEP. Overall, the results of this study show that the service is constantly improving, despite ongoing advancements, challenges, and significant organizational demands.