Publications by authors named "Thomas Levett"
Article Synopsis
- The study focuses on how living with both HIV and frailty affects older individuals, spotlighting the need for chronic disease management as the HIV population ages.
- Through in-depth interviews with 24 participants from a UK HIV clinic, it was found that frailty limits physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, and while the term 'frail' was generally accepted, participants suggested the need for clearer definitions specific to HIV.
- The conclusion emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals being honest yet sensitive when discussing frailty, advocating for a holistic approach to care that prioritizes maintaining independence and addressing the broader impacts of frailty.
Objectives: To evaluate the implementation of frailty screening in people living with HIV (PLWH) in a large urban cohort of patients in Brighton, UK.
Methods: Focus group discussions with HIV professionals and PLWH interviews helped inform the design and implementation of the frailty screening pathway in the clinic. Data were collected from PLWH aged over 60 years attending their HIV annual health check from July 2021 to January 2023 (n = 590), who were screened for frailty by nurses using the FRAIL scale.
Introduction: Many people ageing with HIV are also living with multiple comorbidities and geriatric syndromes including frailty and cognitive deterioration. These complex needs can be challenging to meet within existing HIV care services. This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of screening for frailty and of using a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach, delivered via the Silver Clinic, to support people living with HIV affected by frailty.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: People living with HIV are an ageing population with an increasing prevalence of frailty. Management of frailty requires assessment, communication and information sharing with patients. However, evidence regarding the meaning of frailty for this population, and the acceptability of frailty screening, is limited.
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