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Additional file 2 Appendix 2. List of eligible settings and their eligibility periods.

Additional file 1.

Additional file 5: Appendix 5. Overall summary of quality appraisal results.

Additional file 1: Appendix 1. Developing a working analytical framework for the review.

Additional file 3: Appendix 3. Sample search strategy.

Social prescribing is an increasingly popular approach to promoting health and well-being, by addressing the wider determinants of health such as physical inactivity, social isolation and financial insecurity. Social prescribing link workers (SPs) connect people to local, non-clinical services. As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England aims to recruit 1,000 SPs across England by 2021. Understanding the role of SPs, including challenging aspects of the role and the types of training and support needed by SPs is crucial to optimising the effectiveness of social prescribing. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with nine SPs from five NHS and voluntary sector organisations in London to explore the role of SPs and identify SP training and support needs. Interviews were analysed thematically and three key themes emerged for which SPs needed particular support: defining and promoting their role; supporting clients with complex needs and coping with the emotional demands of their role. SP perceptions of training and future training needs is presented as a fourth theme. Most SPs felt that the initial training received for their role did not prepare them for the most demanding aspects of their roles. The findings of this study support the assertion that the social prescribing link worker role is complex and challenging. SPs are required to have in-depth knowledge of local services, which is built over time and makes retention in the role of high importance. Steps have been taken to develop online resources to support SPs, however, there may be a need for more comprehensive training, especially in mental health. SPs benefit from access to peer or one-to-one support to help them manage the emotional demands of the role and could benefit from the formation of local networks, especially for SPs working in isolation.

Objectives In England, older adults (aged ≥50 years) are at greater risk of being diagnosed with advanced stage HIV infection than younger adults. We explored journeys to testing and diagnosis among older adults, examining factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in this age group. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed with 12 adults diagnosed with HIV at age 50+ years and 12 health care professionals working in sexual health/HIV services. Data were analysed thematically, using the Model of Pathways to Treatment as a framework for analysis. Results Older adults were often found to experience non-linear and complex diagnostic journeys. Pathways to diagnosis were affected by 6 factors: (i) the non-specific nature of HIV symptoms and their misattribution as being age-related; (ii) symptom severity, impact, and visibility; (iii) HIV health literacy; (iv) perceptions of HIV risk; (v) geographical location; and (vi) assessment in non-specialist settings. Conclusions Older adults appear to encounter additional barriers to HIV testing compared with younger people, particularly when they are not part of a group targeted in HIV prevention and testing campaigns. To diagnose HIV more promptly in adults aged 50+ years, HIV knowledge and risk perception must increase in both older people and health care professionals. Health care professionals need to look beyond the ‘high risk’ groups that are most affected by HIV and consider HIV more readily in the diagnostic process. Keywords HIV, older people, HIV testing

Questionnaire regarding the delivery of the immunisation programme (PDF 225 kb)

Older adults with HIV are at increased risk of late diagnosis. We aimed to explore the association between age and HIV testing rates in sexual health clinics in England using Public Health England data for 2009-2014. We investigated associations between attendee age and likelihood of HIV test offer, acceptance, and coverage. For each year, increasing age was associated with reduced likelihood of test offer (Rs -0.797 to -0.958, p 0·05). The strongest determinant of acceptance was sexual orientation; for attendees aged 50+, compared with HSMs, acceptance was higher for MSM (OR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.13) and lower for HSFs (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.31).

INTRODUCTION: Improving evidence informed decision-making in immunisation is a global health priority and many low and middle-income countries have established National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) as independent technical advisory bodies for this purpose. NITAG development and strengthening has received financial and technical support over the past decade, but relatively little evaluation. This study examined NITAGs in six low and middle-income countries (i.e. Armenia, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda), to examine functionality, quality of recommendation development, and integration with national decision-making bodies and processes. METHODS: A mixed-method case-series design, used semi-structured interviews, NITAG meeting observations, and document review. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five NITAGs had been legally established with terms of reference and appeared well functioning, with Ghana's in development. All NITAGs had standard operating procedures and nomination procedures to ensure a range of expertise, generally comprising 10-15 core, 1-5 secretariat, and several ex-officio members. Aside from economics, NITAGs reported a wide range of member expertise. Newer NITAGs had particular concerns about funding. Four used formal conflict of interest procedures, although some commented that implications were not always understood. NITAGs valued local data, and limited evidence suggested NITAG presence might reinforce data production through surveillance and local research studies. All observed meetings demonstrated due process and evidence-based decision-making processes were generally followed, with a critical role played by working-group data syntheses and assessments. NITAGs were seen as well integrated with ministry of health (MoH) decision-making and MoH interviewees were positive about NITAG contributions, indicating NITAGs had an important role. Collaboration with other bodies was more limited, but mitigated by NITAG members' cross-membership in other bodies. CONCLUSIONS: NITAGs have an important and valued role within national immunisation decision-making. However, their position remains insecure, with the need for sustainable technical and financial support.

Supplemental material for HIV testing amongst older sexual health clinic attendees in England: an epidemiological study by Sadie Bell, Joy Adamson, Fabiola Martin and Tim Doran in International Journal of STD & AIDS

Title:Do HIV services meet the needs of adults diagnosed with HIV at an older age? A UK based, multi-centre qualitative studyBackground/introduction:As the number of new HIV diagnoses in adults aged u226550 years is increasing, the effectiveness of HIV services in meeting the needs of this group warrants exploration. Aim(s)/objectives:Exploring HIV service provision for adults diagnosed with HIV at age u226550 years, from the perspectives of service users and healthcare professionals (HCP). Methods:Qualitative interviews with nine adults (age range 50-67 years) diagnosed with HIV at age u226550 years and 12 sexual health/HIV HCP.Results:Service users reported a generally outstanding level of care delivery, and considered themselves to have a greater control of their health following diagnosis, primarily due to an increased level of support and general health monitoring (e.g. frequent blood pressure checks, blood tests, and regular follow-ups). Some service users believed their life-expectancy may have improved after diagnosis. Perceived advantages were identified for older service users with HIV compared with the general older population, including earlier detection of general health problems. However, services in low HIV prevalence areas were commonly considered to be youth-orientated. The targeting of sexual health/HIV resources towards younger people was identified as a key contributor to the high proportion of older adults diagnosed at a late stage of disease. Late HIV diagnosis was associated with a lack of awareness or acknowledgement of personal risk.Discussion/conclusion:Once diagnosed, older adults report receiving exceptional HIV care and support. However, to promote early HIV detection, HIV awareness needs to increase across all age groups.