Advancing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation in Canada: a scoping review protocol of programmes, practices and policies

Introduction HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool, reducing infection risk by up to 99% when used as prescribed. Despite its proven efficacy, PrEP uptake remains suboptimal, particularly among high-risk populations in Canada. Barriers to access and uptake, including stigma, financial constraints and healthcare accessibility, persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the extent and types of interventions, programmes, practices and policies aimed at increasing the acceptance, access, uptake and sustained use of HIV PrEP in Canada.Methods and analysis This review will use the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review methodology. Databases to be searched are MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science from 2016 onwards. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, based on the inclusion criteria. The search results will be presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram. Data will be extracted from relevant studies by two independent reviewers and summarised to inform future research and policy development. This review will include studies focusing on individuals in Canada who are eligible for or using PrEP for HIV prevention. The interventions considered will address the awareness, acceptance, access, uptake and sustained use of PrEP. Studies must be set within the Canadian context, considering geographic, cultural and systemic factors. Exclusions include studies conducted outside Canada or those not addressing HIV prevention interventions.Ethics and dissemination This research will rely exclusively on previously published data and will not include human participants. Therefore, ethics approval is not required. For further clarification, please contact Stephen Hwang, Director, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, at Stephen.Hwang@unityhealth.to. The findings of this research will be shared through peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and may be relevant to governmental health agencies and local HIV/AIDS service organisations.Registration The protocol has been registered with Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/C7S4Z.