15th Annual Conference of the British HIV Association 1-3 April 2009, Liverpool, UK

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE: ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO GPS AND PRIMARY CARE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

HIV Med 2009 Apr 1-3 (Suppl 1);15:15 (abstract no. P2)

A Anderson and E Crafer
Positively Women, London, UK

BACKGROUND: There are 939 PLHIV in Hammersmith and Fulham. In 2008 NHS Hammersmith and Fulham and Hammersmith and Fulham Council commissioned a project to undertake research and develop actions to support the uptake of primary care services amongst people living with HIV in the borough, reducing demand and pressure on acute services.

METHODS: Focus groups were undertaken with groups of PLHIV in West London. A review of the literature found no previous UK studies solely addressing the relationship between PLHIV and primary care providers, although studies had explored this area within the context of groups e.g. gay men and the wider health and social care needs of PLHIV. A survey was distributed PLHIV across Hammersmith and Fulham and West London clinics seeking to understand the needs of PLHIV in the borough in accessing primary care services.

RESULTS: Focus groups found that many PLHIV are content to access GPs when there is confidence, often on recommendation from family or another PLHIV. There is resistance from people long-term diagnosed who have traditionally accessed acute services for all their healthcare needs. However migrant communities and people newly diagnosed are more willing to access primary care services. Data collection through the survey is due for completion in March 2009 and findings will then be presented at BHIVA in Liverpool.

CONCLUSIONS: Research to date suggests that there needs to be dual approach to training for GPs addressing anti-discriminatory and protocols for treating PLHIV, along with cooperative working between GP’s and HIV clinics. There may also be scope in supporting PLHIV to act as an ‘expert patient’ managing the doctor-patient relationship between GPs and HIV specialists.

2009-04-01
P2

Copyright © 2009 - British HIV Association (BHIVA) Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BHIVA Organising Secretariat 1 Mountview Court, 310 Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0LD