Isaac Bogoch

Isaac Bogoch conducts research to improve access to HIV Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and to assist people using these forms of biomedical HIV prevention in adhering to therapy. His research efforts include the use of text messaging to support regular PEP use, and a planned study evaluating the use of trained nurses in sexual health clinics to supervise PEP use and expand access to this treatment.

Why OHTN is supporting the development of this investigator:

Biomedical tools, such as PEP and PrEP have potential to reduce HIV transmission in Ontario. The work of clinical investigators like Isaac Bogoch to improve the delivery and use of these tools contributes to HIV prevention efforts in Ontario and to achieving the goals of Ontario’s HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Isaac Bogoch’s research publications

Current Projects (co-leading with partners at St. Michael’s Hospital)

• Using Text Messaging to Improve Retention in HIV Preventative Care – Only 50% of people who begin taking post-exposure prophylaxis due to a high-risk HIV exposure return to the clinic for their follow-up appointment 3-4 months later. This trial is studying the use of a text message system to remind users to take their doses of PEP medications regularly and to prompt them to return for follow-up care.
• Nurse-led PEP Delivery – To improve access to post-exposure prophylaxis, Isaac Bogoch and Darrell Tan are implementing and evaluating a PEP program at two Toronto sexual health clinics. Nurses will advise patients about the benefits and risks of using PEP, instigate care for those who wish to do so and provide ongoing monitoring and support. Questionnaires and focus groups will be used to assess the satisfaction of patients and their family doctors with this service as well as its feasible for nursing staff. A cost-effectiveness assessment will also be done.

Work Environment and Collaborations:

Isaac Bogoch is the principal physician for the HIV Prevention Clinic at Toronto General Hospital and an infectious disease specialist at the University Health Network. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Isaac Bogoch collaborates with OHTN-funded scientists Darrell Tan, Rupert Kaul and Sharmistha Mishra on research to improve biomedical prevention for people at risk of HIV infection. He is a member of the committee working to create national HIV prevention guidelines.

OHTN Support:

Isaac Bogoch holds an OHTN CIHR New Investigator Award ($300,000; 2016-2021). This is his first OHTN funding as a principal investigator.