Learning from the experiences of people with HIV using general practitioner services in London: a qualitative study

Experience of primary care for people with HIV: a mixed-method analysis

BACKGROUND

Advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a long-term condition (LTC), presenting fresh challenges for health services, HIV specialists, and GPs.

AIM

To explore the experience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) regarding consulting their GPs.

DESIGN & SETTING

A mixed-method analysis using data from two sources: a nationally-representative survey of PLHIV and a qualitative study with London-based PLHIV.

METHOD

Univariate logistic regression was used for quantitative data and framework analysis for qualitative data.

RESULTS

The survey had 4422 participants; the qualitative study included 52 participants. In both studies, registration with a GP and HIV status disclosure were high. Similar to general population trends, recent GP use was associated with poor self-rated health status, comorbidities, older age, and lower socioeconomic status. Two-thirds reported a good experience with GPs; a lower proportion felt comfortable asking HIV-related questions. Actual or perceived HIV stigma were consistently associated with poor satisfaction. In the interviews, participants with additional LTCs valued sensitive and consistent support from GPs. Some anticipated, and sometimes experienced, problems relating to HIV status, as well as GPs' limited experience and time to manage their complex needs. Sometimes they took their own initiative to facilitate coordination and communication. For PLHIV, a 'good' GP offered continuity and took time to know and accept them without judgment.

CONCLUSION

The authors suggest clarification of roles and provision of relevant support to build the confidence of PLHIV in GPs and primary care staff to care for them. As the PLHIV population ages, there is a strong need to develop trusting patient-GP relationships and HIV-friendly GP practices.

Specialist care of older adults with HIV infection in the UK: a service evaluation

OBJECTIVES

There is a clear trajectory towards cohort ageing in the UK. HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of traditionally age-related comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. Some HIV services have been proactive in innovating models that cater for adapting needs. We aimed to describe how widespread this practice is and what form such services take.

METHODS

We conducted an evaluation of the perceived need for and current provision of specialist ageing services, and the need for formal guidance on monitoring or treatment of older adults with HIV infection. A web-based questionnaire was sent to the audit lead at every British HIV Association (BHIVA)-registered HIV clinic.

RESULTS

A total of 102 clinics responded, with a broad geographical spread. Five of the 102 clinics have a clinician with an interest in ageing. Two dedicated HIV ageing services exist, practising different models. A quarter (23 of 98; 23%) of clinics reported a need for an ageing service, with three in development. The majority (65 of 95; 68%) supported dedicated guidance for monitoring in older adults, but fewer (39 of 94; 41%) felt that dedicated guidance on treatment was necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified two existing and three proposed HIV ageing services. Another 20 clinics (20%) reported an unmet need for a specialist ageing service, suggesting that complex older adults may pose a management challenge. This is the first survey of its kind to attempt to describe the current landscape and opinion around such services. HIV-infected cohorts will continue to age and current models of care may be insufficient, which should prompt services, their users and commissioners to consider what models may best fit current and future demand.