Calls for GPs to offer HIV screening in high-risk areas

Conclusion The results of this study suggest it seems to be cost-effective to screen new patients for HIV when they register at a GP practice in areas where HIV is particularly prevalent. This conclusion is based on projections making use of a wide range of data from the UK, and making certain assumptions about HIV prevalence over time and the behaviour of people who've been newly diagnosed with HIV. The researchers used good methods, and their recommendation to roll out screening in areas where there are high rates of HIV is consistent with current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Studies like this help decision makers decide which interventions offer good value for money. But the drawback with these types of studies is they rely on assumptions – and it's not possible to say for certain whether these assumptions are correct. Other points to bear in mind about this study include: The researchers may have over- or underestimated the cost-effectiveness of screening by assuming HIV rates in Hackney would stay the same and that people newly diagnosed with HIV would permanently change their sexual behaviours. Injecting drug users weren't included in the modelling because reusing needles (which carries HIV risk) is in decline in the UK and HIV is uncommon in this group. But this might vary between regions. The areas with similar HIV rates to Hackney the researchers suggest could potentially benefit from screening might have populat...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Source Type: news