Developing HIV services: the patient’s perspective
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing NHS services for HIV as a long-term condition: the patient’s perspective
IRAS ID
125171
Contact name
Martin Fisher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust
Research summary
As a result of effective HIV treatment, the majority of people living with HIV are in good health with an essentially normal life expectancy. The number of older people living with HIV is increasing each year. While HIV-related illnesses are now relatively rare, age-related conditions, including cancer, diabetes and diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver and bones are becoming increasingly common. NHS services are evolving to meet these changing needs. For example, recent years have seen the development of new models of healthcare to improve the detection and management of age-related illnesses among people with HIV and fewer scheduled appointments for people who are well on antiretroviral therapy. So far, however, there has been very little involvement of patients in the development of these new approaches. Involving patients in decisions about their care may increase satisfaction with services, improve attendance and adherence to treatment and thereby enhance health outcomes.
The purpose of this study is to explore HIV positive patients’ experiences of NHS services and to find out how people living with HIV would prefer their HIV care and the care of any co-existing illnesses to be provided in future. This study represents the first step towards developing an evidence based model for the future management of HIV.
HIV positive service users will be informed about the study by advertisement in HIV/GUM clinics in the regional setting (Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Chichester, Redhill and Crawley) and London (Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary’s, King’s College, University College and Homerton Hospitals) and referral through HIV doctors and nurses. Up to 14 focus group discussions, each with 6 participants and lasting a maximum of 2 hours, will be conducted by trained facilitators in community settings. This study has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit scheme.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0256
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion