Opt-out ED BBV Testing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intervention Optimisation of Opt-Out Blood-Borne Virus Testing in Emergency Departments in England
IRAS ID
327922
Contact name
Tom May
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: In November 2021, a programme was implemented to provide opt-out testing for HIV in emergency departments (EDs) in the parts of England with the highest diagnosed prevalence of HIV infection. This means that anyone who has their blood tested in an ED at participating hospital sites will also have a test for HIV, unless they say they do not want to be tested. The programme was later extended to include additional opt-out hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing in efforts to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) targets to eliminate the viruses.
There is some evidence to suggest that ED opt out testing is helpful in identifying people who are less likely to take a test in other settings (such as sexual health clinics). Opt-out testing can also help people receive treatment quickly. However, there is a lack of research into how acceptable opt-out testing is to both patients and ED staff.
AIM: To explore ways to increase the uptake of ED opt-out HIV/hepatitis B/hepatitis C testing.
Phase 1: To describe the different strategies and approaches of sites to implement HIV/hepatitis B/hepatitis C testing in EDs we will review of existing standard operating procedures (SOP), protocols and patient materials across the 33 sites (27 London, 3 Manchester, Salford, Brighton, Blackpool).
Phase 2: To examine the facilitators and barriers to embedding ED opt-out HIV/hepatitis B/hepatitis C testing we will conduct in-depth interviews with ED staff, target patient populations and stakeholders.
DISSEMINATION: The results and lessons learned will be shared with wider stakeholder groups including NHS, local authority commissioners and other relevant organisations. We will present our findings at academic conferences and through publications in a journal.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0357
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion