Practice audit tool

How HIV-friendly is your General Practice?

General Practice is increasingly important in improving the earlier recognition and detection of HIV, and in managing the general health of HIV positive individuals. Early diagnosis improves life expectancy and reduces morbidity associated with HIV. Being on HIV treatment with an undetectable viral load also reduces an individual’s infectivity and risk of passing on the virus.

With more people than ever before living now with HIV, and with the complexity of many treatments, their side effects and interactions, it is important for GPs to be skilled and competent enough to know how to care for and communicate with patients.

The areas in which GPs need to be especially aware include:

  • How to discuss and take an HIV test
  • How to protect confidentiality and associated patient concerns
  • When and how to discuss the sexual health needs of patients generally
  • What to do if there is an emergency and a patient asks about post exposure prophylaxis
  • How to support a partner or family member appropriately
  • Knowing how services for HIV patients are organised locally

All of these topics overlap with other aspects of patient care in which GPs are highly skilled, such as cardiovascular, mental health, substance misuse, gastroenterology and dermatology.

Practice Audit Tool

We've created an interactive audit tool for your practice. It's quick and easy to take and the results will show you how HIV friendly your practice is, the areas you do well and where you could improve along with links to resources to help you where needed.

Practice Audit tool

For more information see:

How you can help

More than ever before, your help is needed in promoting positive change for people affected by HIV. Getting involved makes a real difference.

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Employers

Many people are continuing to sustain their employment and pursue their chosen career. Those with a positive diagnosis are protected in law under the terms of the Equality Act 2010.

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Sources of funding

There are a range of funding sources that can provide grants to fund a particular activity, from local charitable trusts, central government and private companies, to the Big Lottery Fund.

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