Training GPs and practice nurses using a multifaceted educational intervention can improve HIV testing rates in general practice, a longitudinal study has found. Sexual Health in Practice (SHIP) addresses the barriers to HIV testing and teaches a systematic clinical approach to testing. It covers four situations where HIV tests may be offered: patient request; opportunistic testing for those found to be high risk through history taking; diagnostic testing for those with relevant symptoms; and screening. SHIP training, which aims to attract GPs and practice nurses irrespective of whether they have an interest in sexual health, was commissioned by Haringey PCT in North London. [With external links to current evidence]