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Discover how community and peer workers can use PozQoL to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV

PozQoL empowers community and peer workers to measure and monitor the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Co-designed in collaboration with peer-led PLHIV organisations, PozQoL reflects the lived experiences, challenges, and priorities of PLHIV. By integrating PozQoL into community programs and peer support services, workers can uncover valuable insights, support holistic care approaches, and enhance the effectiveness of their programs.

Why to use PozQoL in community and peer support services

PozQoL can help community and peer organisations measure and track the quality of life of clients living with HIV.

PozQoL isn’t just another evaluation tool—it’s the result of collaboration with peer-led PLHIV organisations. This ensures that it resonates deeply with the realities faced by people living with HIV and aligns with the values of community and peer services.

Community and peer organisations that have used PozQoL in their practice found that it helps to:

• Uncover challenges by gaining insight into issues like social isolation, mental health struggles, or barriers to accessing healthcare
• Facilitate discussions using PozQoL scores to guide conversations and identify areas clients want to improve
• Evaluate the impact of programs by tracking the quality of life outcomes of interventions and services
• Advocate for resources using data to highlight areas where clients face challenges, such as stigma or financial stress
• Monitor trends by aggregating scores to adapt services and meet changing client needs
• Support collaboration by developing care plans together, focusing on achievable goals and appropriate referrals

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How to use PozQoL in community and peer services

The following tips were developed in consultation with community and peer workers who are using PozQoL in their work.

ℹ️ You can also, check out our guidance on using PozQoL for more general information.

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How to incorporate PozQoL into your work

• Use PozQoL in intake forms to establish a baseline QoL for clients and track trends over time. Intake data can:
  • Identify individual client needs early
  • Help organisations evaluate overall program outcomes
• Add PozQoL to evaluation tools such as post-event surveys or program feedback forms to measure specific intervention impacts
• Combine PozQoL with other validated scales (e.g., stigma, resiliency) for a more comprehensive understanding of client wellbeing

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When to use PozQoL

The timing of PozQoL administration depends on the type of service being provided:

• At intake: Establish a baseline for quality of life
• After specific interventions: Administer two months post-intervention (e.g., workshops or retreats) to evaluate impact
• Ongoing programs: Assess every 6–12 months for long-term services like case management or mental health support

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Practical solutions for data collection

To address logistical challenges, organisations have successfully incorporated PozQoL into their workflows by:

• Using online evaluation surveys, either standalone or integrated into client management systems
• Opting for paper-based surveys with responses entered later into a simple spreadsheet for analysis

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Help! Someone has presented with a completed PozQoL scale

If you’re new to PozQoL and a patient brings a PozQoL survey to their appointment, here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Calculate scores (if needed)

• Use ViiV Healthcare’s Digital tool

2️⃣ Understand the scores

• Scores 4 or above indicate good or very good quality of life
• Scores around 3 indicate moderate quality of life — ‘okay’ but with room for improvement
• Scores below 3 indicate that additional support is needed

3️⃣ Take action

• Ask questions: “I noticed this score is low. Can we talk about what’s been challenging for you?”
• Refer or support: Suggest services such as peer groups, counselling, or financial assistance programs:
  • Check the using PozQoL scores table for recommended actions and referral options tailored to different domains
  • Use ViiV Healthcare’s next steps card to help plan and track the patient’s follow-up steps, including supports discussed during the appointment

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🟡 PozQoL stories from peer and community programs

Discover real-world examples of how PozQoL is supporting community and peer programs for people living with HIV.

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Quick links: Tools and resources for peer and community workers using PozQoL