Fast-Track Cities London has launched a pilot on integrating HIV testing into colposcopy services. This initiative was presented by Dr Aneesha Noonan and Dr Josephine Ruwende at the international Fast-Track Cities conference in Paris on 9 October. The pilot aligns with UK guidelines recommending HIV testing for patients with indicator medical conditions like cervical dysplasia. However, routine HIV testing is not yet part of the NHS National Cervical Screening Programme.
The pilot was implemented across four colposcopy services in London. Patients were encouraged to use HIV self-testing through QR codes, while staff and patients were surveyed to gauge their attitudes towards testing. Results showed that 71% of the 183 patients surveyed supported HIV testing at colposcopy, though the uptake was hindered by clinic staff reporting time constraints and lack of confidence discussing HIV. Support varied among ethnic groups, with 80% of White and Asian respondents agreeing, compared to 60% of Black respondents.
The recommendations from this pilot emphasise expanding sign-posting for HIV testing across London colposcopy units, enhancing clinical staff training, integrating HIV testing into electronic patient records, and appointing HIV testing champions at each unit. Furthermore, offering in-clinic HIV testing to all attendees is seen as a vital next step.
This pilot reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to HIV testing, with a goal to reduce barriers and increase early diagnosis within the broader healthcare system.