Case Study: In-Clinic Peer Support for HIV Clinics in South West and South East London
METRO and SW/SE London HIV clinics
1. What problem are we trying to solve or what is the aim?
The aim of this initiative is to address key social determinants of health, particularly HIV-related stigma, which negatively impacts health outcomes, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and overall quality of life (QoL) for people living with HIV (PLWH). The focus is to improve QoL, reduce stigma, and increase patient engagement with HIV care, leading to better health outcomes, including achieving undetectable viral loads (VL).
2. What did we do?
A peer support (PS) team was recruited to provide in-clinic support for PLWH at HIV clinics across South West and South East London. The peer mentors (PMs) assist patients with a variety of needs, including adjustment to diagnosis, adherence to ART, isolation, and overcoming HIV-related stigma. The team works in partnership with NHS Trusts, including Kingston, Croydon, KCH, and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trusts, to offer in-person and remote support.
The program also involves ongoing efforts to enhance recruitment, train new PMs, and introduce joint peer mentor supervision in collaboration with the clinics. Additionally, an opt-out referral system is being developed for newly diagnosed or re-engaged patients to access peer mentor services.
3. What outcome have we achieved so far?
Improved recruitment and integration of the PS team into the clinics, with PMs now providing in-clinic support and undergoing necessary training. To date, 25 PLWH have been supported, with an average of four interactions per person. Early outcomes show positive engagement, with reductions in DNA (Did Not Attend) rates and improved patient interactions. Furthermore, the team has actively been involved in network development, establishing connections with the FTC/G2Z Community of Practice and in-clinic lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) teams.
Despite delays in recruitment and challenges related to team composition, the initiative is moving forward, with plans to enhance team diversity and develop a robust monthly clinical supervision model.