Data were analysed using SPSS (version 12). Likert responses were treated as ordinal variables and analysed using non-parametric tests. Kendall's t test, accounting for tied rank, was used to assess correlations between question responses.9 The Mann–Whitney U test was used to investigate association of experience (defined as treating >10 patients with HIV) and training with other responses. For analysis, responses were combined, that is, ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’ were collated to represent agreement, and a similar combination was used for responses of disagreement. Free-text comments underwent thematic analysis.
How this fits in
Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), individuals with HIV are living longer; the chronic diseases of ageing, alongside the side effects of HAART therapy, may be better managed in the community by GPs rather than by HIV specialists. In the pre-HAART era, there were significant barriers to GPs caring for patients with HIV; now almost all GPs feel comfortable managing other illness in patients with HIV. One-third of GPs are interested in increasing their involvement in the care of patients with HIV. The complexity of HAART regimes, their interactions and side effects, and inadequate reimbursement are identified as barriers to providing enhanced care.
