Silver Clinic: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of comprehensive geriatric assessment for people living with HIV and frailty

INTRODUCTION: Many people ageing with HIV are also living with multiple comorbidities and geriatric syndromes including frailty and cognitive deterioration. These complex needs can be challenging to meet within existing HIV care services. This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of screening for frailty and of using a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach, delivered via the Silver Clinic, to support people living with HIV affected by frailty. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Mixed-methods, parallel-group, randomised, controlled feasibility trial aiming to recruit 84 people living with HIV≥50, identified as frail. Participants will be recruited from the HIV unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive usual HIV care or the Silver Clinic intervention, which uses a comprehensive geriatric assessment approach. Psychosocial, physical and service use outcomes will be measured at baseline, 26 weeks and 52 weeks. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants from both arms. Primary outcome measures include recruitment and retention rates and completion of clinical outcome measures. These will be used in conjunction with a priori progression criteria and the qualitative data (acceptability of trial procedures and intervention) to determine the feasibility and design of a definitive trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by East Midlands—Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee (reference 21/EM/0200). All participants will receive written information about the study and be required to provide informed consent. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conferences and community engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14646435.