UK national audit of sexual health care for people with HIV infection: case-notes audit

Abstract

The case-notes of 3210 patients with HIV infection were audited. A sexual history was documented within four weeks before or after initial HIV diagnosis in 69% of cases (regional range 45–84%), and in the six months before attendance during the audit interval in 34% (12–53%). An offer of tests for sexually transmitted infections was documented within four weeks before or after HIV diagnosis in 58% (30–83%), and in the prior six months in 28% (14–47%). Syphilis serology was offered in the previous three months to 45% (14–100%) of cases resident in syphilis outbreak areas and to 25% (7–62%) of other cases. Hepatitis B testing was performed for 98% (95–100%) of cases and for hepatitis C, for 91% (79–100%). Cervical cytology results in the past year were documented for 73% (43–94%) of eligible women. Considerable inter-regional variation in performance exists. Interventions are needed to improve the sexual health care of people with HIV infection.