14th Annual Conference of the British HIV Association 23-25 April 2008, Belfast

DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK OF BEST PRACTICE FOR TACKLING BLOODBORNE VIRUSES IN UK PRISONS-EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS

HIV Med 2008 Apr 23-25 (Suppl 1);14:12 (abstract no. P11)

S Johnston, N Douglas and Y Azad
National AIDS Trust, London, UK

BACKGROUND: In 2004/2005 the National AIDS Trust (NAT) and Prison Reform Trust conducted a survey of healthcare managers in UK prisons in response to concerns about inconsistency of BBV prevention, treatment and care. The results indicated a wide variation in prisons' responses to BBVs, with some indicating no services in place. The survey report recommended the development of a best practice framework on tackling BBVs in prisons.

METHODS: In 2006 NAT established an Expert Working Group to develop this framework of best practice. The group comprised of prison staff, union representatives, clinicians, voluntary sector workers, and representatives from the Government health departments in the four nations. A literature review took place and examples of best practice were gathered. The group made recommendations from their experience which allowed NAT to develop a comprehensive framework. In April 2007 the framework was published, copies were sent to all UK prisons, key NHS staff and voluntary sector organisations. In January 2008 the framework was evaluated. Questionnaires were sent to all recipients asking for feedback on the usefulness of the framework and examples of how it had been put into practice.

RESULTS:Forty two responses (from 271, 15% response rate) were received, the majority from prisons. 60% of the prisons who responded were implementing framework recommendations. 20% had not implemented changes but stated they already followed prison guidance on BBVs. On average respondents rated the document as 'good' for ease of use, clarity of language, accuracy and usefulness. The evaluation demonstrated the importance of including the target audiences in the development of comprehensive and achievable recommendations.

2008-04-23
P11

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