'Beyond the Prescription': An Arts-Based Study of Older Adults Living With HIV and Their Primary Care Experiences in Ontario.

BACKGROUND

Older adults living with HIV face unique healthcare challenges due to the intersection of aging, stigma and chronic illness management. While advances in HIV treatment have increased life expectancy, healthcare systems have not fully adapted to address the complexities of aging with HIV.

METHODS

This study utilised an using an arts-informed and community-based participatory qualitative approach to engage older adults living with HIV in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants created visual and narrative representations to describe their experiences with primary care providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and geriatricians. Thematic and visual analysis frameworks were employed to analyse the data and identify key themes in their healthcare encounters.

PARTICIPANTS AND

SETTING

The study involved 12 older adults living with HIV who were receiving care in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse range of experiences.

RESULTS

Key findings highlight systemic gaps in provider expertise, fragmented care and time constraints that hinder the delivery of holistic, person-centred care. Participants emphasised the importance of trust, culturally competent care and team-based healthcare models in improving their healthcare experiences. Despite these challenges, participants expressed hope for a more inclusive, integrated approach to aging with HIV.

CONCLUSIONS

The study underscores the need for healthcare systems to adopt innovative models of care that recognise the lived experiences of older adults with HIV and promote equitable access to primary care. Arts-based research revealed the emotional, social and structural dimensions of healthcare interactions, contributing valuable insights for improving primary care for aging populations with complex health needs.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Older adults living with HIV were actively involved throughout this study. An HIV advisory committee, including individuals with lived experience, clinicians, community leaders and policymakers, helped shape the study design, guide recruitment, interpret findings and review manuscript drafts. A peer-researcher co-facilitated data collection and contributed to analysis. Participants also reviewed a summary of preliminary findings to ensure their perspectives were accurately reflected.