Strategies to advancing digital health equity: perspectives from underserved groups

Abstract Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) are revolutionizing healthcare. However, there is a lack of demonstrable health benefits across all populations. To advance digital health equity, we explored the perspectives of underserved groups on strategies to support digital inclusivity. Participants belonged to two or more CLEARS (Culture (ethnicity, language, religion), Limiting conditions (visual or hearing), low Educational attainment, older Age, Residence (rural, deprived or no fixed address), low Socioeconomic status) groups. This framework encompassed sociodemographic factors associated with digital exclusion and recognizes the role of intersectionality.(1) Twenty-nine individuals participated in focus groups (n = 4) or interviews (n = 11) and shared their perspectives on the barriers to DHTs, innovative ideas to improve inclusivity, and perceived feasibility of implementing changes. An inductive reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts, assisted by N-Vivo. Participants experienced fragmented communication with healthcare providers when using DHTs, explaining how they received a no-reply SMS message asking them to confirm an appointment via a link but were unable to access the link. Current solutions to overcoming such barriers included using non-digital routes (e.g., visiting a pharmacy) or calling non-emergency healthcare services. Many participants expressed the need for DHT support services to be implemented to provide educational support and access to devices. However, some participants raised concerns about the financial strain this might place on healthcare systems. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of implementing different DHTs support services across different settings to advance digital health equity. (1)Wilson et al. (2023). Strategies to develop, design, implement and support digital health equity in key underserved groups: protocol for a systematic review. Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Key messages • Strategies to mitigating digital exclusion within healthcare should be designed with underserved groups. • Future research should evaluate the feasibility of implementing different DHTs support services across different settings to advance digital health equity.