Table 5 Comparison of Telemedicine Benefits and Challenges as reported by PLHIV, Clinical, Programmatic, and Policy Stakeholders
Benefit / Challenge | People Living with HIV (PLHIV) | Clinical, Programmatic, and Policy Stakeholders |
|---|---|---|
Acceptability | All but one interested in continuing to use telemedicine in their HIV care | Perception that PLHIV prefer in-person visits |
Travel to clinic and opportunity costs | Less travel time, saves time and costs of transportation for PLHIV Fewer missed/late appointments for PLHIV Reduced number of visits, especially for stable and suppressed PLHIV, that gives more time for work and personal matters | |
Technological literacy | Some prefer telephone, some prefer video Most report feeling tech literate for telephone telemedicine or are interested in learning more about how to use video | Perception that most PLHIV prefer telephone because it is simpler to use |
Technology resources | Most reported access to smartphone, computer/tablet and Wi-Fi/mobile data | Perception that Wi-Fi/mobile data not dependable for many PLHIV Perception that PLHIV with housing instability/homelessness may not have consistent access to telephone or computer/tablet |
New diagnoses | Better for initial visits to be in person | |
Privacy | Many reported access to privacy for telemedicine visits and most are comfortable with being on video | Concerns around patients’ privacy at home/in surrounding environment during visit |
Spanish interpretation | Use of interpreters over telemedicine is acceptable | Use of interpreters over telemedicine more difficult |