Evaluating a pilot process for reviewing late HIV diagnoses in England and Wales

Late HIV diagnosis is associated with significant mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) and high numbers of missed opportunities (MO) for earlier testing have been identified. A pilot of a national late diagnosis review process (LDRP) was undertaken in 15 HIV services evaluating the feasibility of LDRP implementation, as a patient safety initiative. All newly diagnosed PLWH with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ were included, and healthcare episodes within 5 years of presentation reviewed. Of 127 patients identified, 40 (31.5%) had MO and were more often white, UK-born and suffered more serious harm around diagnosis. Of these, four were designated serious incidents (undergoing root cause analysis) and eight were serious learning events. Engagement with services where MO occurred was challenging, however 75% of services found the LDRP sustainable. Widespread implementation of the LDRP should enable progress with training and policy changes within external services, enabling earlier HIV diagnosis and preventing deaths.