Innovative tools such as the Internet, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, cell phones, and other technologies are a growing arsenal in the global effort to prevent and control HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While a variety of information and communication technology tools are in various stages of use for HIV/STI prevention, relatively few areas have accumulated a critical mass of evidence-based data about the most effective approaches. However, some of that evidence is compelling, and the potential for future uses appears large. Application to some areas of practice and research are nascent, the impact on disease incidence and economic evaluation data are still very limited, and evaluation of these tools would benefit from rigorous study designs. In this article we review the published literature regarding the use of information and communication technology applications to HIV/STI control. Appropriately utilized technologies may improve HIV/STI screening, prevention, surveillance, and care for patients and populations in both resource-constrained and resource-rich settings.
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú ; University of Washington. Seattle, Washington, USA ; Médico, Maestro en Salud Pública ; Especialista en Informática Biomédica.
Walter H
WH
Curioso
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú ; University of Washington. Seattle, Washington, USA ; Médico, Maestro en Salud Pública.
Magaly M
MM
Blas
University of Washington. Seattle, Washington, USA ; Enfermera, Doctora en Salud Pública.
Ann E
AE
Kurth
San Francisco Department of Public Health. San Francisco, California, USA ; University of Washington. Seattle, Washington, USA.
Jeffrey D
JD
Klausner