Dispersal of HIV positive asylum seekers: national survey of UK healthcare providers
http://www.100md.com
《英国医生杂志》
1 Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Camden Primary Care Trust, Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6AU, 2 Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, 3 Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, London WC1E 6AU
Correspondence to: S Creighton sarah.creighton@camdenpct.nhs.uk
Introduction
We identified several potential barriers to the safe dispersal of HIV infected asylum seekers. Of particular concern is that dispersal is done at short notice and often without appropriate transfer of medical details. Although hand held medical records have been suggested as a potential solution,4 they are unlikely to resolve all the issues that could compromise patient care. Inappropriate dispersal of an HIV infected patient could lead to HIV resistance, onward transmission of HIV infection, and avoidable morbidity and mortality for the asylum seeker. Before the decision to disperse, the National Asylum Support Service should seek specialist advice and consider the impact on the infrastructure and staffing of the receiving centre.
This study is a reflection of doctors' opinions and is subject to reporting bias. However, the serious concerns raised warrant further investigation if we are to ensure that dispersal is not to be detrimental to patients' health.
The questionnaire is on bmj.com
This article was posted on bmj.com on 26 July 2004: http://bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.38189.674213.79
Contributors: SC distributed and analysed the questionnaires and with RM wrote the first and last drafts. SGE conceived the study and with GS provided critical appraisal of the manuscripts. GS helped distribute the questionnaires. SC is guarantor.
Funding: None.
Competing interests: RM edits Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Ethical approval: Not needed.
See also Education and debate p 346
References
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. London: Stationery Office, 1999. www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990033.htm (accessed 21 July 2003).
Health T, Jeffries R, Lloyd A. Asylum statistics in the United Kingdom. London: Home Office, 2003. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/hosb803.pdf (accessed 21 Jul 2004).
All Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS Migration and HIV. Improving lives in Britain. www.appg-aids.org.uk/Publications/Migration%20and%20HIV%20Improving%20Lives.pdf (accessed 21 July 2003).
Johnson RD. Asylum seekers in dispersal: healthcare issues. London: Home Office, 2003. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/rdsolr1303.pdf (accessed 21 July 2003).(S Creighton, consultant i)
Correspondence to: S Creighton sarah.creighton@camdenpct.nhs.uk
Introduction
We identified several potential barriers to the safe dispersal of HIV infected asylum seekers. Of particular concern is that dispersal is done at short notice and often without appropriate transfer of medical details. Although hand held medical records have been suggested as a potential solution,4 they are unlikely to resolve all the issues that could compromise patient care. Inappropriate dispersal of an HIV infected patient could lead to HIV resistance, onward transmission of HIV infection, and avoidable morbidity and mortality for the asylum seeker. Before the decision to disperse, the National Asylum Support Service should seek specialist advice and consider the impact on the infrastructure and staffing of the receiving centre.
This study is a reflection of doctors' opinions and is subject to reporting bias. However, the serious concerns raised warrant further investigation if we are to ensure that dispersal is not to be detrimental to patients' health.
The questionnaire is on bmj.com
This article was posted on bmj.com on 26 July 2004: http://bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.38189.674213.79
Contributors: SC distributed and analysed the questionnaires and with RM wrote the first and last drafts. SGE conceived the study and with GS provided critical appraisal of the manuscripts. GS helped distribute the questionnaires. SC is guarantor.
Funding: None.
Competing interests: RM edits Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Ethical approval: Not needed.
See also Education and debate p 346
References
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. London: Stationery Office, 1999. www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990033.htm (accessed 21 July 2003).
Health T, Jeffries R, Lloyd A. Asylum statistics in the United Kingdom. London: Home Office, 2003. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/hosb803.pdf (accessed 21 Jul 2004).
All Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS Migration and HIV. Improving lives in Britain. www.appg-aids.org.uk/Publications/Migration%20and%20HIV%20Improving%20Lives.pdf (accessed 21 July 2003).
Johnson RD. Asylum seekers in dispersal: healthcare issues. London: Home Office, 2003. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/rdsolr1303.pdf (accessed 21 July 2003).(S Creighton, consultant i)