HIV testing uptake and acceptability in an inner city polyclinic.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Significant proportion of HIV-infected adults in the UK remain undiagnosed.
• Efforts to increase HIV testing are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Polyclinics represent potential settings for expanded HIV screening initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the uptake and acceptability of point-of-care HIV testing in a central London polyclinic.
• To identify demographic and risk factors among individuals undergoing HIV testing.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with the HIV testing experience.

Main Methods:

• Point-of-care HIV testing offered to patients presenting at a central London polyclinic.
• Collection of demographic data, HIV risk factors, and patient feedback via questionnaire.
• Analysis of testing uptake, previous testing history, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 76% (71/93) of individuals accepted HIV testing.
• 75% (53/71) of those tested had never previously tested for HIV, even if registered with a GP.
• 38% (27/71) had at least one HIV risk factor, with 63% (17/27) being first-time testers.
• No new HIV positive diagnoses were made during the pilot.
• Over 85% of respondents found the service helpful, educational, and convenient, reporting high satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Point-of-care HIV testing in a polyclinic setting achieved high uptake and was well-accepted by patients.
• This approach can effectively reach individuals who have not previously tested for HIV, including those with risk factors.
• Polyclinics are a viable setting for implementing accessible and patient-centered HIV testing programs to improve diagnosis rates.