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

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.