Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Medicine, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health Imperial College London London UK
2. Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School University of Sussex Brighton UK
3. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Worthing Sussex UK
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesThe 2018 British HIV Association (BHIVA) Standards of Care state that people living with HIV should be questioned annually for symptoms of cognitive or memory decline. If symptoms are identified, screening should be considered and services offered if impairment is detected. We examined the availability of services, along with current practices related to the screening and management of cognitive impairment in people living with HIV, in UK HIV services.MethodsA survey was distributed via email to all UK HIV services leads on the BHIVA audit mailing list. Questions related to screening practices, referral pathways, and the management of patients with suspected cognitive impairment. Descriptive analyses were conducted on all data returned.ResultsIn total, 190 surveys were distributed. Of the respondents, 39 (60.6%) stated that they undertook screening for cognitive impairment in their HIV service, and 30 (47.6%) reported not offering a specific service or referral pathway. Awareness of BHIVA screening guidelines was high (49 [84.48%]), yet 15 (30.6%) respondents stated that they were not followed in their service and 41 (71.9%) felt there was a need for training on screening, assessment, and management of cognitive impairment in patients with HIV within their department.ConclusionsDespite no directive, a substantial number of HIV services surveyed are routinely screening patients for cognitive impairment without guidance on when to screen and which screening tools should be used. A UK consensus on screening, along with guidance and training for services, may help to resolve this gap in service provision.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Infectious Diseases,Health Policy