Standards of Care
British HIV Association Standards of care for people living with HIV 2018
The Standards are designed to provide a reference point against which to benchmark the quality of HIV care in the context of the changing needs of patients and the current financial pressures. They provide information to support top quality care and to inform commissioning decisions to meet the growing need for more efficient and cost-effective services. These Standards update earlier versions published in 2007 and 2013.
The new Standards are evidence based, and have been developed in partnership with care providers, professional associations, commissioners and people living with HIV. They cover the range of care needed from testing and diagnosis to the end of life, taking a holistic view of an integrated approach embracing overall health and well-being, as well as clinical care.
There are eight quality Standards, covering the care that any adult living with HIV in the UK should expect to receive. Each one presents a rationale, quality statements and measurable and auditable outcomes. Three new sections have been introduced looking at HIV prevention, stigma and well-being, and HIV across the life course.
Following the recent launch of the 2018 BHIVA Standards of Care for People living with HIV, it became apparent that the use of the word ‘negligible’ was not being interpreted as it was intended in the original Consensus Statement where it indicated that there is no risk of transmission under the conditions described. For clarity, we have replaced the term ‘negligible’ with more accessible phrases to convey this important public health message and have included the full statement in Appendix 2 for ease of reference. We hope this clarification has made the Standards more accessible and useful to all stakeholders.
Interim Update – Standard 2b (Self-management and Peer Support)
Issued as an interim update pending full revision of the BHIVA Standards of Care.
Background
Since publication of the 2018 Standards of Care, additional evidence and service data have demonstrated the impact of structured peer support when embedded into routine HIV clinical pathways, particularly for people newly diagnosed with HIV. UK centres that have adopted models in which referral to peer-support is routine practice are reporting marked improvements in uptake, engagement, and retention in care.
To support consistent national implementation and ensure equitable access, BHIVA is issuing an interim clarification to Standard 2b.
“Your Guide to…” BHIVA Standards of Care for people living with HIV
The BHIVA Standards of Care were published in 2018. This is a valuable document, setting out the standards of care expected in the UK for people living with HIV. While the document is great for those delivering care, or commissioning care, the content can be quite challenging to understand for those receiving care – people living with HIV. This is, perhaps, the group that most needs to understand the standards.
With the support of BHIVA and a grant from the MAC AIDS Fund, a group from the HIV community have created “Your Guide to…” the BHIVA Standards. This looks at the standards from a patient perspective and highlights in plain language what a person living with HIV might reasonably expect to receive in terms of their care in the UK at all stages of their HIV journey.
Press Releases
“Your guide To…” Standards of Care for People Living with HIV – BHIVA Standards of Care 2018 from a patient perspective
Sunday 22 November 2020
New Standards of Care from British HIV Association (BHIVA) meet patient needs despite challenges presented by funding cuts
Thursday 19 April 2018
Consultation feedback
Please use the links below to download a list of all feedback received during the consultation process for the BHIVA Standards of care for people living with HIV 2018, separated by standard.
Standard 1: Testing, diagnosis and prevention
Standard 2: Person-centred care
Standard 3: HIV outpatient care and treatment
Standard 5: Sexual and reproductive health
Standard 6: Psychological care