Abstract
BackgroundAdvances in treatment have transformed HIV into a long-term condition (LTC), presenting fresh challenges for health services, HIV specialists, and GPs.AimTo explore the experience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) regarding consulting their GPs.Design & settingA mixed-method analysis using data from two sources: a nationally-representative survey of PLHIV and a qualitative study with London-based PLHIV.MethodUnivariate logistic regression was used for quantitative data and framework analysis for qualitative data.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThe 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.
Highlights
A strategy of earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment with modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) that achieves viral suppression rapidly has transformed the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV), enabling them to have a normal life expectancy.[1]
This study found that PLHIV value good access, continuity, and communication between primary and secondary care, and it is important to them to feel confident that GPs will have some understanding of their condition
Over half (58.0%) had attended their GP surgery in the previous 3 months, with recent GP attendance most strongly associated with poor self-rated health and increasing burden of diagnosed non-H IV related comorbidities (P
Summary
A strategy of earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment with modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) that achieves viral suppression rapidly has transformed the lives of PLHIV, enabling them to have a normal life expectancy.[1]. This research aims to fill this gap by: a) reporting prevalence of GP registration, disclosure of HIV status, and satisfaction with GP services by quantitative analysis of a nationally-representative sample of PLHIV; and b) examining personal experiences of PLHIV consulting their GPs, to identify practical steps for improvement from a qualitative research study with PLHIV in London. Previous research from the latter, qualitative study has described PLHIV perspectives of going through the treatment cascade,[11] and how they view the contemporary metanarrative of HIV as a chronic condition.[12] This article focuses on PLHIV’s views and experiences of using primary care services. As the PLHIV population ages, there is a strong need to develop trusting patient–GP relationships and HIV-friendly GP practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
