Studies detail how pandemic response improved HIV care, digital health equity

Two articles published this month in Clinical Infectious Diseases describe ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has sped the development of health service delivery innovations. Advancing Digital Health Equity describes the rise in the use of telehealth by Medicare beneficiaries—from roughly 2,000 visits per week in February to 1.3 million visits per week in April. Innovations in HIV Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic documents policy changes facilitating access to HIV care and prevention. In building on these innovations, the authors note, steps must be taken to address inequities between those who have internet access and those who do not. (Infectious Diseases Society of America news release, 10/16/20)