References

British HIV Association. BHIVA endorses ‘Undetectable equals Untransmittable’ (U=U) consensus statement. 2017. https://www.bhiva.org/BHIVA-endorses-U-U-consensus-statement (Last accessed July 2024)

British HIV Association. Standards of Care for People Living with HIV. 2018. https://www.bhiva.org/file/KrfaFqLZRlBhg/BHIVA-Standards-of-Care-2018.pdf (Last accessed October 2024)

IN BRIEF: BHIVA guidelines on antiretroviral treatment for adults living with HIV-1 2022. HIV Medicine. 2022; 23:(S3)3-14 https://doi.org/10.1111/hiv.13399

British HIV Association and British Association of Sexual Health and HIV. HIV services' engagement with Integrated Care Systems. 2023. http://www.bashh-and-bhiva-ics-toolkit.pdf (Last accessed July 2024)

Injectable HIV Treatment Underway in England and Largely Effective, but a Couple of Breakthrough Cases Raise Concern. 2024. https://www.aidsmap.com/news/may-2024/injectable-hiv-treatment-underway-england-and-largely-effective-couple-breakthrough (Last accessed July 2024)

Integrated Care Systems Explained. 2022. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/integrated-care-systems-explained (Last accessed July 2024)

European Medicines Agency. First long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy for HIV recommended approval - European Medicines Agency. 2020. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/first-long-acting-injectable-antiretroviral-therapy-hiv-recommended-approval (Last accessed July 2024)

National Institutes of Health. Research Toward HIV Cure. 2022. https://www.oar.nih.gov/hiv-policy-and-research/research-priorities-overview/research-toward-hiv-cure?form=MG0AV3 (Last accessed October 2024)

What Does Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) mean? aidsmapcom. 2023. https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/faq/what-does-undetectable-untransmittable-uu-mean (Last accessed July 2024)

O'Halloran C., Sun S., Nash S. HIV in the United Kingdom: Towards Zero 2030. 2019 report.London: Public Health England; 2019

Types of Antiretroviral Medication” Types of antiretroviral medications. aidsmapcom. 2024. https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/types-antiretroviral-medications (Last accessed July 2024)

Sherman E.M., Agwu A.L., Ambrosioni J. Consensus Recommendations for Use of Long-acting Antiretroviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of HIV-1: Endorsed by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Canadian HIV and Viral Hepatitis Pharmacists Network, European AIDS Clinical Society, and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists. Pharmacotherapy. 2024; 44:(7)494-538 https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.2922

Terence Higgins Trust. NHS Services. 2023. http://wwwthtorguk (Last accessed July 2024)

UK Health Security Agency. HIV Testing, PrEP, New HIV Diagnoses and Care Outcomes for People Accessing HIV Services: 2023 Report. 2023. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hiv-annual-data-tables/hiv-testing-prep-new-hiv-diagnoses-and-care-outcomes-for-people-accessing-hiv-services-2024-report (Last accessed Occtober 2024)

HIV transmission, prevention, treatment and care: part two

02 November 2024
Volume 35 · Issue 11

Abstract

In part two of this series, Ian Peate explains the role of nurses in managing patients with long term HIV. Additionally, treatment options such as antiretroviral therapy are discussed

This article explores human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the primary care setting, emphasising the role of the nurse in caring for people with HIV and the expanding responsibilities in providing comprehensive management. The diagnostic process stresses early and accurate detection, confirmatory testing, follow-up procedures and addressing the psychological impact of diagnosis with initial patient support. Treatment options are reviewed, including an overview of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, individualised treatment planning, monitoring for efficacy, managing drug resistance and exploring emerging therapies.

HIV is no longer a terminal illness it has transitioned into a manageable chronic health condition as a result of advances in research and treatment (Public Health England, 2016). While HIV can have significant and multifaceted effects on the health and well-being of individuals, early diagnosis and effective treatment have revolutionised its management and prognosis.

Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people tested in all sexual health services rose compared to testing levels seen in 2019. Compared to 2019, there was a decline in the number of heterosexual and bisexual women tested and a drop in heterosexual men tested in 2023. However, the number of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) tested increased (UKHSA 2023).

Among heterosexual people of Black African ethnicity, the number tested increased in 2023, with a stable positivity rate, suggesting ongoing transmission. For GBMSM, the number tested increased in 2023, with positivity falling in 2022 and 2023, indicating a possible decrease in transmission.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Practice Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for general practice nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month