Medicines optimisation needs and interventions for older PLWH
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring medicine optimisation needs and interventions for older people living with HIV
IRAS ID
295529
Contact name
Priya Sarma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 8 days
Research summary
As people living with HIV (PLWH) age and new diagnoses occur in later life, the prevalence of HIV is increasing in the over 50 age group. As a consequence of ageing, an increase in comorbidities, polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions and other complications can be seen in this population and this has become an important clinical challenge. It is vital to understand the medicine needs and concerns of older PLWH and to consider the interrelationship between HIV and ageing when developing new interventions to improve health outcomes for the ageing HIV population. This study aims to explore the medicine optimisation needs and interventions for PLWH aged 50 years or older. The study objectives are a) to examine the extent to which medicine and/or treatment burden affects older PLWH, b) to explore how medicines optimisation interventions are currently implemented in practice, examining their uptake by older PLWH and effectiveness in supporting medicines use, and c) to explore other support needs of older PLWH (for example, where they obtain social support). The proposed research will be conducted using semi-structured interviews and observations in the Kent and Medway areas. The Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust consists of two clinics (Clover Street in Medway and The Gate in Canterbury) with three satellite clinics (Ashford, Folkestone and Thanet). For phase 1a, eligible participants will be PLWH 50 years old or over, using HIV medicines for at least six months, and receiving HIV care in Kent. For phase 1b, eligible participants will be healthcare professionals providing care for people living with HIV in Kent. After the initial interview, there will be no follow-up of participants for this qualitative study. Data obtained will facilitate the development of targeted interventions to support older adults experiencing difficulties with multiple treatments for HIV and/or other comorbidities.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0029
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion