Implementation of a multidisciplinary approach to care for people with HIV aged 80 years and over

Background Frailty adversely affects health and quality of life of people with HIV (PWH). A multidisciplinary-team (MDT) was established to perform a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and to address modifiable risk factors in elderly PWH.Methods PWH aged over 80 years were reviewed by a dedicated HIV/geriatric clinic at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to report the variables of interest.Results Sixty-three PWH were reviewed, with a median age of 82 (IQR 80-86). Fifty-seven (88%) were men. The median number of co-morbidities was five (IQR 4-7) and polypharmacy was seen in 55 (85%), with a median of six (IQR 5-8) co-medications reported. The median Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score was two (IQR 2-5). Antiretrovirals were modernised in 18 (29%) individuals; co-medication changes and de-prescribing was recommended in 39 (62%).Conclusion A MDT approach helped reducing polypharmacy and frailty, suggesting that specialised tools and MDT input are key to identify medical and social concerns in elderly PWH.