Researchers at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West have developed a strategy called PATH-GP (Prevention and Testing for HIV in General Practice). It aims to help more people get tested for HIV and improve access to PrEP - a tablet that prevents you getting HIV, available for free via NHS sexual health clinics.
The development of PATH-GP comes as the UK government works toward its goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. Despite regular contact with primary care, many people living with undiagnosed HIV are not tested until the disease has significantly progressed. Earlier diagnosis is crucial, as those who begin treatment early can live a normal lifespan and cannot pass on the virus once it is suppressed to undetectable levels.
Our research found that GP staff often lacked knowledge about HIV, had concerns about the cost and time required for HIV testing, and lacked systematic ways to test. Awareness and knowledge about PrEP was low among GP healthcare professionals.
The PATH-GP approach was co-created with patients, GPs, nurses and healthcare commissioners. It is based on evidence, behavioural science and real-world clinical insight. It includes:
- Training for GP staff on HIV and PrEP
- ‘Opt-out’ HIV testing in certain clinical scenarios
- A digital reminder system to flag patients who may benefit from a test
- Improved patient information
- A designated “champion” in each practice to support the programme
Dr Anne Scott, lead author of the study, explained: “Our project developed a new way of increasing HIV testing and access to PrEP. We found multiple challenges to HIV testing and supporting access to PrEP. To address these, an approach with several parts is needed.”
Dr Sarah Denford and Dr Jo Kesten, project co-leads, added: “We’re excited to see this new approach published. The next step is to obtain funding to test if PATH-GP works. If it does, it may help achieve the goal of eliminating new HIV cases by 2030.”
The study was funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research and carried out by researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol, NIHR ARC West, and the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation and Behavioural Science.
Paper: Developing the PATH-GP (Prevention and Testing for HIV in General Practice) intervention: a person-based approach intervention development study to increase HIV testing and PrEP access. Anne Scott et al. Published in British Journal of General Practice. December 2025.