Geriatric HIV Care Models Unveiled

As the global population of older adults living with HIV continues to rise, the demand for specialized geriatric care models has never been more pressing. A recent scoping review sheds light on the essential components that can enhance care for this unique demographic.

Key Components of Effective Geriatric HIV Care Models

The review pinpointed three primary elements crucial for successful geriatric HIV care:

1. Collaboration and Integration: Effective care hinges on seamless coordination among healthcare providers, including HIV specialists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive management of both HIV and age-related comorbidities.

2. Organization of Geriatric Care: Structured care pathways, such as combined HIV/geriatric multidisciplinary clinics, facilitate efficient service delivery. These models streamline patient referrals and foster better communication among clinicians, leading to improved patient outcomes.

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1. Support for Holistic Care: Addressing the multifaceted needs of older adults with HIV requires a focus on physical, mental, and social well-being. Incorporating services like cognitive assessments, mobility evaluations, and social support systems is vital for promoting healthy aging.

Challenges and Barriers in Implementing Geriatric HIV Care Models

Despite the identified benefits, several challenges impede the widespread adoption of these care models:

• Logistical Barriers: Limited resources and infrastructure can hinder the establishment of specialized clinics or the integration of geriatric care into existing HIV services.

• Patient Engagement: Older adults may exhibit reluctance to seek geriatric care due to stigma, unfamiliarity with services, or perceived irrelevance to their HIV treatment.

• Provider Buy-In: Healthcare professionals may face challenges in embracing new care models, especially if they lack training in geriatric care principles.

Recommendations for Future Research and Practice

To optimize geriatric HIV care, the review advocates for:

• Diverse Implementation Studies: Conducting research across various settings, including developing countries and long-term care facilities, to understand contextual factors influencing care delivery.

• Community Engagement: Involving older adults with HIV in the co-design of care models ensures that services are culturally appropriate and meet their specific needs.

• Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support the integration of geriatric care into HIV services can lead to more sustainable and accessible care options.

In conclusion, while the scoping review provides a foundational understanding of effective geriatric HIV care models, it underscores the necessity for ongoing research and adaptation to diverse populations. By addressing the identified challenges and embracing the recommended strategies, healthcare systems can better serve the aging cohort of individuals living with HIV, ensuring they receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

References

• Understanding geriatric models of care for older adults living with HIV: a scoping review and qualitative analysis. PubMed.

• Geriatric Care – National Resource Center on Aging & HIV.

• Systematic Review: HIV, Aging, and Housing—A North American Perspective, 2012–2023. MDPI.

• Navigating complex care for older women with HIV: role of geriatrician support. The Lancet Healthy Longevity.

• Strengths and Challenges of Various Models of Geriatric Consultation for Older Adults Living with HIV. PubMed.

• Co-Creating Socio-Culturally-Appropriate Virtual Geriatric Care for Older Adults Living With HIV: A Community-Based Participatory, Intersectional Protocol. SAGE Journals.

• Geriatric conditions and healthcare utilisation in older adults living with HIV. Age and Ageing.

• Strengths and Challenges of Various Models of Geriatric Consultation for Older Adults Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus. PubMed.

• Preference for care models among older people living with HIV: cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health.

• Exploring implementation considerations for geriatric-HIV clinics: A secondary analysis from a scoping review on HIV models of geriatric care. PubMed.

• Socioculturally Appropriate Internet-Based Geriatric Care Model for Older Adults Living With HIV: Experience-Based Co-Design Approach. JMIR Aging.