TABLE OF CONTENTS


Introduction

This article explains how to use the Ardens resources to support the delivery of routine HIV testing,  from identifying undiagnosed patients through to managing a patient with a diagnosis of HIV.   


Background

The government’s HIV Action Plan sets out to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030. The Ardens HIV resources support this by identifying patients for whom BHIVA and NICE recommend an HIV test. The promotion of routine HIV testing reduces stigma, prevents late diagnoses, allowing prompt treatment and therefore a reduction in transmission rates.


This article is suitable for:
Clinicians
Practice Managers
Data Quality & Improvement Leads


How Ardens Can Help 

The Ardens resources support practices in delivering routine structured HIV testing, assessments, management advice, shared decision-making, planned follow-up and review, and clear, accurate documentation within the patient record. The resources include:
  • Reports: to identify patients for whom HIV testing is recommended.
  • Alerts: To highlight patients with an HIV indicator condition.
  • Clinical templates: Structured templates to support accurate coding.


How To Access Our Resources

Press F12 on your keyboard.

Open the Infections (Ardens New) template launcher (access this support article for instructions on using the Template Launchers). 

Alternatively, open a consultation and select Run Template and search for the HIV (Ardens) templates.




Reports

  • Go to Population Reporting.
  • Expand the Ardens Searches folder.
  • Select 4.20 Conditions - Infections.
  • Select HIV Screening.



Screening

Ardens supports proactive case-finding through clinically indicated searches and real-time alerts, helping practices identify patients who may benefit from routine HIV screening.


Methods


Searches
The Ardens HIV searches identify patients with clinically indicated conditions who may be appropriate to invite for HIV screening.


To ensure results are clinically meaningful and manageable, the searches apply the following general exclusions:
  • Age under 18 or over 75 years
  • End-of-life status
  • HIV screening offered or completed within the past 3 years
  • Existing HIV/AIDS diagnosis


In addition, condition‑specific exclusions are applied to ensure the reports produce manageable and clinically meaningful results.


Alerts
To support opportunistic identification during consultations, Ardens also provides a “Consider HIV Screening” alert. This appears as a high‑priority alert when a patient meets the eligibility criteria based on clinically indicated conditions recorded in their medical history.


The alert is published as inactive by default.


To activate the alert:

  • Click the EMIS ball > Configuration > Resource Publisher.
  • Go to Shared folders > Ardens National Content - New > Infections.
  • Locate the Consider HIV Screening protocol.
  • Right click on the alert.
  • Select Status > Activate. 


Once activated, the alerts displays in the pink QOF box in the patient record if the patient is eligible. Hovering over the alert will display why the patient is eligible. 



Prompts
Other templates that include HIV testing prompts include shingles, psoriasis, oral candidiasis, Blood Borne Virus Risk Assessment.



Testing

Using the HIV Testing + Prophylaxis (Ardens) template supports accurate clinical coding by clearly listing recognised indications for HIV testing, including:
  • At-risk exposures
  • HIV indicator conditions


Clinicians can record whether testing has been offered, declined, or not appropriate. These codes automatically remove patients from future clinically indicated searches for 3 years, preventing repeated recalls.


The template also provides:
  • Structured discussion prompts for testing conversations
  • General advice and safety netting
  • Direct access to NICE and BHIVA guidance via the resources page
  • Guidance on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)



Diagnosis 

Diagnosis

Using the HIV (Ardens) template ensures accurate coding when an HIV diagnosis is recorded. The template displays previous CD4 counts, HIV viral load results and provides a curated list of appropriate diagnostic codes to support correct documentation.


A dedicated management section provides guidance on ways to stay healthy with HIV, advice on immunisations, cervical screening and starting a statin for patients aged over 40.



Management

Review

Following an initial assessment, a structured review can be completed to ensure holistic, ongoing care. The Review page supports osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk assessments, discussion around antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and a comprehensive drug interaction review. This ensures patients receive coordinated care that considers both HIV management and wider long-term health risks.


The Review page includes preset options, impression and management guidance. 
  • Impression: To code the appropriate condition or diagnosis.
  • Management: Appropriate management and advice options are included. The clinician can then record advice, treatment, and follow-up actions.


For patients diagnosed with advanced disease, the Advanced Disease page provides additional structured support, including guidance around advance care planning and AIDS-defining conditions. 



Formulary 

The Formulary page serves as a reference for prescribing guidance.


As HIV prescribing typically occurs in specialist settings, the formulary supports clinicians by providing contextual prescribing information and safety considerations aligned with national guidance.



Additional Support 

To further your understanding of the HIV resources and how to make the most of Ardens product:
 
If you require any further assistance on the process above, please contact Ardens support on: 
support@ardens.org.uk