What this means for:
Nearly everyone who accessed peer led support at Positively UK benefited and said
they would recommend it to a friend. Accessing peer support and talking to others
living with HI V can help emotionally and practically. Good peer-led support will
work with you to identify your needs, and want you to be honest and open with
them. I f it’s something they can’t help with they will help access a service that can
offer the right information and support.
The BHI VA Standards of Care in standard 9 have already identified the need for
' self-management services including access to peer support' . This evaluation
demonstrates how peer-led support can complement the role of clinical staff in
supporting patients and improving patient outcomes. While peer-led support can
be accessed via referral, it does work best when integrated into the clinical setting,
providing a seamless transition between the clinical and peer led support,
particularly for those who feel vulnerable about accessing services outside the
clinic. Clinical staff have a role to play in working with local groups and possibly in
future in directly commissioning peer support within the clinical setting.
The evaluation data shows there is a role for peer led support in supporting people living with
HIV, both in better managing their HIV and improving their emotional well-being. When
developing peer led programmes a range of interventions should be provided to meet the
needs of the diverse population. Groups should also seek to develop links with key agencies
notably HIV clinics, but also look wider, to promote access to a wider range of services including
expert-patient programmes, benefits advice, social services etc. Voluntary and community
groups need to demonstrate the effectiveness of services and it is hoped the evaluation tools
and approach used in this study can be adopted and revised as necessary.
Peer-led services can support commissioners in meeting their goals and improving
the health of people living with HI V.
Within the NHS Outcomes the evaluation demonstrates people are better able to
manage their treatments and be involved in their healthcare through improved
relations with clinical staff. Support also increases knowledge and thereby supports
people to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
For Public Health this evaluation demonstrates outcomes in Improving Well-Being.
I n addition if people understand HI V and adhere to treatments there is a reduced
risk of onward transmission.
When commissioning services, a range of interventions should be provided to meet
the needs of the diverse populations living with HI V. Tenders should also consider
links with clinics and other support services.
People Living
with HIV
Healthcare
staff in HIV
clinics
Commissioners
and those who
pay for peer
support
services
Voluntary and
community
groups
For additional information on mental health needs see Positively UK’s reports:
•
States of Mind: Improving mental well-being in the HI V community
•
Commissioning Effective Services for Women Living with HI V
Both available at
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