Background
Advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a long-term condition (LTC), presenting fresh
challenges for health services, HIV specialists and general practitioners (GPs).
Aim
To explore the experience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) regarding using their GPs.
Design and setting
A mixed-method analysis using data from two sources: a nationally-representative survey of PLHIV
and a qualitative study with London-based PLHIV.
Methods
Univariate logistic regression for quantitative data and Framework analysis for qualitative data.
Results
The survey had 4,422 participants; the qualitative study included 52 participants. In both studies, GP
registration and HIV status disclosure were high. Similar to general population trends, recent GP use
was associated with poor self-rated health status, co-morbidities, 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, GPs’ limited experience and time to manage their complex needs. Sometimes
they took their own initiatives to facilitate coordination and communication. For PLHIV, a ‘good’ GP
offered continuity and took time to know and accept them without judgement.
Conclusion
We suggest clarification of roles and provision of relevant support to build confidence in GPs and
primary care staff to care for PLHIV. As PLHIV population ages, there is a strong need to develop
trusting patient/GP relationships and HIV-friendly GP practices.