Improved virologic suppression with HIV subspecialty care in a large prison system using telemedicine: an observational study with historical controls

Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Jul 1;59(1):123-6. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciu222. Epub 2014 Apr 9.

Abstract

Correctional populations have an elevated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, yet many individuals lack access to subspecialty care. Our study showed that HIV-infected inmates had significantly greater virologic suppression and higher CD4 T-lymphocyte counts when managed by a multidisciplinary team of subspecialists conducting clinics via telemedicine. In other studies, these outcomes have been associated with reductions on HIV-related morbidity and mortality, as well as HIV transmission.

Keywords: HIV; prisons; telehealth; telemedicine.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cohort Studies
  • HIV / isolation & purification*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisons*
  • Telemedicine / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viral Load*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents