Our clinic’s own software enables us to continuously collect medical data for our research. To evaluate this data, we work closely with the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Bern. For example, our research team is involved in a long-term study entitled “International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS”. Part of this project consists of research into non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are increasingly common in people with HIV. Another large-scale study focuses on questions around the prevention and treatment of precancerous lesions of the cervix. This study is co-funded by Swiss Cancer Research.
In 2022, our research team published 13 papers in prestigious international scientific publications. We were also able to participate with twelve poster presentations at five major international conferences such as the International AIDS Conference in Montreal.
Benefiting from more laboratory capacity
Sexually transmitted diseases are often asymptomatic. We therefore pay special attention to the correct diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to a new laboratory device, we’ve been able to greatly expand our testing capacity: last year more than 8,500 samples from mostly symptom-free patients could be tested for sexually transmitted infections. We also tested laboratory samples from outside institutions. A second area of focus is resistance tests, which help in the selection of the correct therapy. This is because in the event of resistance to certain HIV drugs, the medication must be adjusted, otherwise the result can be life-threatening therapy failure.