Identifying key elements to inform HIV-testing interventions for primary care in Belgium

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Primary Care Medicine
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• General practitioners (GPs) are crucial in combating the hidden HIV epidemic.
• Missed diagnostic opportunities in primary care contribute to delayed HIV diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the development of an HIV testing intervention for GPs in Flanders, Belgium.
• To explore GPs' current practices, perceived relevance, and feasibility of different HIV testing strategies.

Main Methods:

• Formative research utilizing a participatory approach.
• Involvement of an advisory board and 16 group discussions with 122 Flemish GPs.
• Exploration of provider-initiated testing of key populations and indicator condition-based testing.

Main Results:

• Most HIV tests were patient-initiated; counseling practices were limited.
• GPs reported barriers to provider-initiated testing, including discomfort, lack of knowledge, and time constraints.
• A reduced list of indicator conditions and combined strategies supported by guidelines were deemed feasible and effective.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative evidence supports the development of an HIV testing intervention for primary care.
• Addressing GP-identified barriers is essential for successful implementation of provider-initiated HIV testing.
• Combined target group and indicator-based testing strategies show promise for improving HIV detection in primary care.