August 2024

GERIATRICS

Preferences for Diabetes Management in Older Adults with Co-Morbid HIV: Perspectives from Patients and Clinicians

Featuring: Rachel M O’Conor
Older adults with HIV are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As these conditions become more complex, the need for effective treatment and healthcare increases. A new study explores the preferences of patients and clinicians for managing HIV and T2DM, and identifies potential solutions to improve care.
The study involved in-depth interviews with English-speaking patients aged 50 and older, living with HIV and T2DM, as well as infectious disease (ID) and primary care (PC) clinicians from a large academic health center in Chicago. Thematic analysis was conducted using the Framework Method.
A total of 19 patient and 10 clinician participants were interviewed. Many patients reported seeking HIV and T2DM care from the same clinician; they valued rapport and a ‘one-stop-shop’. Others reported having separate clinicians; they valued perceived expertise and specialty care. Nearly all clinicians reported comfort screening for T2DM and initiating first line oral therapy; ID clinicians reported placing referrals for newer, complex therapies. Patients would like educational support for T2DM management; clinicians would like to learn more about newer therapies and easier referral processes.
Patient-centered care includes managing T2DM from a variety of clinical settings for individuals with HIV, yet strategies are needed to better support clinicians. Future research should examine how best to implement these strategies.
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To ready the full article, visit PLOS ONE. 
Rachel O'Conor PhD, MPH, is an associate professor of Medicine (General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics).

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