A national review of assessment and monitoring of HIV-infected patients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The British HIV Association (BHIVA) audit subcommittee aimed to survey UK clinic policy and practice regarding baseline assessment and immunization of newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, and frequency of follow-up and testing in established patients in the UK. METHODS: UK centres providing HIV care were requested to complete an online survey between October 2006 and March 2007. RESULTS: 111 centres participated in the survey. 89.2% of centres routinely performed baseline HIV resistance testing. 99% of centres had a policy of routine screening for hepatitis B. Only 91% of centres were routinely offering a sexual health screen at diagnosis. Frequency of routine follow-up for patients not requiring antiretroviral therapy (ART) and stable on ART varied between three and six months. DISCUSSION: This review showed variations in practice regarding the post diagnosis assessment and routine monitoring of HIV patients. It is of concern that not all centres perform baseline HIV resistance testing. It has also been noted that hepatitis B vaccination is not being offered to non-immune patients at diagnosis. Less frequent follw-up of stable patients (both on and off ART) should allow resources to be focussed on those with specific clinical needs.