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

USER PREFERENCE OF MODELS OF HIV AND NON-HIV CARE DELIVERY

HIV Med 2009 Apr 1-3 (Suppl 1);15:20 (abstract no. P20)

S Munir¹, SG Edwards1, J Richens^2, A Copas², A Byakwaga¹, G Brough³, B George¹ and PD Benn1
¹ Mortimer Market Centre, Camden PCT, London, UK, ² Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK, ³ University College London, London, UK

BACKGROUND: Primary care needs are increasing as the HIV cohort ages and co-morbidities requiring poly pharmacy become more prevalent. We aimed to determine users’ preference regarding models of HIV and non- HIV care delivery.

METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was given to all HIV+ patients attending our outpatient clinic between 29.09.08–24.10.08. Data regarding demographics, health status and use of services was recorded. Users ranked in order of preference the following four models of care

1. current model (CM),
2. an in house GP service for all patients (GPCA),
3. in house GP service for local residents only (GPCL) or
4. GPs providing non-complex HIV care and complex HIV care provided in HIV clinic (HIVGP)

RESULTS: Four hundred and fifteen of 520 (80%) users completed the questionnaire. Demographics of respondents were similar to our HIV cohort; 79% male, 70% homosexual and 70% Caucasian. Median age: 42 years. Seventy-three percent were on antiretroviral therapy, of which 40% were also receiving medication from their GP, 25% reported other co-morbidities and 20% had been hospitalized in the previous year. Ninety-two percent were registered with a GP. Seventy-seven percent had disclosed their HIV status to their GP. The median number of attendances/year were 4 (HIV clinic) and 2 (GP). Overall only 17% thought their GP had a good knowledge of HIV; this was significantly higher among Black African compared to Caucasian patients (P=0.02). First rankings were achieved by CM (37%), GPCA (44%), GPCL (13%) and HIVGP (5%). Overall 58% would prefer an in house GP above our CM of care. Users were more likely to rank an in house GP above our CM of care if they were younger, had not disclosed their HIV status to their GP, attended their GP practice less often and were not receiving medication from their GP (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: User preferences of model are influenced by age and previous use of GPs. Further evaluation is warranted to ensure acceptable GP services are available to all.

2009-04-01
P20

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