Core Curriculum for HIV
GPs should
have an understanding of :
 |
How HIV is
transmitted |
|
Its
epidemiology in the UK and worldwide |
|
How
transmission is prevented (including sexual health promotion, safer injecting,
and prevention of vertical transmission) |
|
How HIV
disease progresses over time |
|
The medical
advantages of early diagnosis |
HIV in the
primary care context
|
GPs should
understand potential barriers to care: both to those with HIV, and also
members of groups who may be at higher risk |
|
GPs should
have a clear idea of steps that can be taken by practices to improve access to
services, including provision of a perceptibly confidential and
non-discriminatory service |
|
GPs should
understand the role of the primary care team in HIV prevention and promotion
of sexual health – most notably practice nurses |
GPs should be
able to:
|
Make a simple
risk assessment using the history and examination to aid differential
diagnosis |
|
Conduct an
HIV pre-test discussion |
GPs should be
able to recognise the consequences of HIV infection, including:
|
The urgent
manifestations of HIV disease (PCP as possible presenting illness) |
|
Other
commoner manifestations – systemic (wt loss, sweats); gut; and all commoner
associated mouth and skin problems |
GPs should
have an understanding of
|
How the
disease is monitored i.e. CD4 count and viral load |
|
Anti
retrovirals (action, resistance, adherence, main interactions, short and long
term side effects) |
|
The
experiences of patients taking anti-retrovirals |
|
Prophylactic
medication against opportunistic infections |
|
Appropriate
immunisation (such as flu) |
|
The role of
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in preventing HIV infection |
|
Where to get
up to date information including websites |
|
Where to get
advice and support for patients |
Source: RCGP
HIV WP Briefing Paper 2: Core Curriculum for HIV
|
