The development of telemedicine in correctional facilities
1
1 Telemedicine service, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
2
2 Medical Board of Directors, ULSS 6 Euganea, Hospital of Cittadella, Cittadella, Italy
3
3 Sanitary Coordinator of Correctional Facilities, Padua, Italy
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4 Sanitary Director of Correctional Facilities, Padua, Italy
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5 Waiting List Coordinator of ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
6
6 Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation, ULSS 6 Euganea, Hospital of Piove di Sacco, Piove di Sacco, Italy
7
7 Coordinator of Socio Sanitary District, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
8
8 Prevention Department, ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
9
9 Socio Sanitary Direction of ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
10
10 General Direction of ULSS 6 Euganea, Padua, Italy
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The local healthcare trust of padua is responsible for ensuring healthcare to about 1000 detained individuals in two correctional facilities. These include primary and specialist medical care, pharmaceutical services, addiction treatment services, public hygiene surveillance, and preventive interventions. Over the past three years, prison healthcare has undergone a significant digital transformation. The introduction of an electronic health record system and the development of telemedicine services within correctional facilities have improved timeliness of care, reduced transfers to external hospitals, and optimized the use of healthcare resources.
METHODS:
The authority implemented a multifaceted strategy including the installation of 12 new information technology workstations, connection to the internal network, implementation of electronic health records, digitalization of medication charts, development of telemedicine pathways through the purchase of laptops, setup of a dedicated telemedicine room with video projection, and restoration of the radiology unit. The project involved approximately 50 healthcare professionals, with over 2000 working hours invested over three years to design the project.
RESULTS:
From September 2025, telemedicine services were activated with four hospital-based clinical units. In four months, 25 teleconsultations and 25 tele-visits were conducted with addiction services and mental health units, 13 diabetology tele-visits were performed, and 133 X-rays were remotely reported on site. Moreover, 50 teleconsultations were conducted with addiction services of other authorities, and 11 dermatology tele-visits were carried out. In total, 257 telemedicine services were delivered to 232 patients.
CONCLUSIONS:
Technological innovation effectively addressed structural challenges within the prison healthcare system. Digitalization reduced the risk of errors, streamlined administrative and clinical processes, and decreased staff workload. Telemedicine ensured continuity of care, optimized resource management, and generated an estimated cost saving of approximately 105000 € related to reduced patient transport. User satisfaction interviews showed a high level of acceptance, with a clear preference for telemedicine over in-person visits.
The local healthcare trust of padua is responsible for ensuring healthcare to about 1000 detained individuals in two correctional facilities. These include primary and specialist medical care, pharmaceutical services, addiction treatment services, public hygiene surveillance, and preventive interventions. Over the past three years, prison healthcare has undergone a significant digital transformation. The introduction of an electronic health record system and the development of telemedicine services within correctional facilities have improved timeliness of care, reduced transfers to external hospitals, and optimized the use of healthcare resources.
METHODS:
The authority implemented a multifaceted strategy including the installation of 12 new information technology workstations, connection to the internal network, implementation of electronic health records, digitalization of medication charts, development of telemedicine pathways through the purchase of laptops, setup of a dedicated telemedicine room with video projection, and restoration of the radiology unit. The project involved approximately 50 healthcare professionals, with over 2000 working hours invested over three years to design the project.
RESULTS:
From September 2025, telemedicine services were activated with four hospital-based clinical units. In four months, 25 teleconsultations and 25 tele-visits were conducted with addiction services and mental health units, 13 diabetology tele-visits were performed, and 133 X-rays were remotely reported on site. Moreover, 50 teleconsultations were conducted with addiction services of other authorities, and 11 dermatology tele-visits were carried out. In total, 257 telemedicine services were delivered to 232 patients.
CONCLUSIONS:
Technological innovation effectively addressed structural challenges within the prison healthcare system. Digitalization reduced the risk of errors, streamlined administrative and clinical processes, and decreased staff workload. Telemedicine ensured continuity of care, optimized resource management, and generated an estimated cost saving of approximately 105000 € related to reduced patient transport. User satisfaction interviews showed a high level of acceptance, with a clear preference for telemedicine over in-person visits.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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