FRONTLINE HIV Forum Meeting July 2010

FRONTLINE HIV Forum Meetings:

Members: General Members Forum held at The Kobler Clinic, 4th Floor

Date: 6th July 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Attendees: 7
Apologies: 2

A forum member voiced concerns about Sustiva (Efavirenz) and how that some patients receiving this medication were very intolerant of it. It has been known to cause mood swings, depression and insomnia. As a first line drug it is known to be very effective. This raises the question – effectiveness versus intolerance and that intolerance is not a factor for doctors when prescribing medication to patients. Patients with previous mental health problems should not be prescribed Efavirenz – however the prescribing of these may sometimes slip through the net in error.

The conversation then moved to toxicity with the newer medications, and about how the incorporation of several drugs into one tablet, and how that may prove difficult for doctors to define which component may be causing problems that may arise.

The conclusion that was that doctors need to be allowed more flexibility in prescribing, and that HIV Commissioners and BHIVA (British HIV Association) should be engaged with to look into matters concerning toxicity.

It has to be realized, that general matters of toxicity of medications can sometimes only become apparent through time.

Staffing levels at the Dean Street Clinic were causing concern with some doctors on short term contracts, some doctors only working a couple of days a week, and some doctors away on holiday.

Also there seems to be a lack of information (leaflets) in clinic.

The chair of the forum stated that there was a potential opportunity for patients to engage with General Practitioners in a formal setting to help educate them about issues around HIV. Anyone interested in taking part in this exercise should consult with the chair.

There is a problem in fragmentation of information in that consultants may only write to GP’s at least once per year to update them on patient’s condition. Clinics are urging patients to complete and return to clinic a consent form which will enable them to correspond fully with GP’s.

Concern was raised regarding postal delivery of medications, in that when a forum member did not receive his delivery on time, and when no messages were left on his answer machine, he was forced into telephoning the delivery company regarding progress of his order. Non delivery of medications could have severe implications for patients with complex needs.

Should this non delivery of medications happen to you please phone the pharmacy at your clinic and complain. Unless patients complain no remedial action can be taken.

It came as a surprise to hear that patients with Hepatitis C were not offered counselling immediately after being informed of their diagnosis.

Because of the very small amount of patients receiving treatment at the HIV Podiatry Clinic, and in view of the proposed cuts in the budget, the hospital wishes to stop this service. Patients using the service should be informed of alternative clinics.

THERE WILL BE NO MEETING NEXT MONTH - THE FORUM WILL HAVE A SUMMER BREAK.