Measures of Digital Health Literacy: A Scoping Review

Title: Measures of Digital Health Literacy: A Scoping Review Authors: Leva Gorji, DO; Jessica Elderkin, BA; Eliza W. Beal, MD Background: In the evolving field of medicine, electronic information and communication technologies have become profound tools for combating obstacles related to geographic barriers. As such, understanding and improving digital health literacy (DHL) is imperative to ensure that this form of healthcare is appropriately accessible to users. The objective of this scoping review is to gauge the tools available for assessing DHL. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In this review, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase. Using Covidence, a screening and synthesis of the data was performed. In total, 1111 studies were imported for screening, leaving 987 studies once duplicates were removed. 52 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and a total of 13 studies were included. Results: The tools evaluated included web-based surveys, cognitive surveys, and in-person surveys. These tools were validated in variable populations, although with limitations due to the exclusive focus on English-language measures. This review underscores the importance of developing inclusive and relevant assessment tools to enhance DHL across diverse communities. Conclusion: By addressing these gaps, we can empower individuals to effectively leverage digital health technologies, ultimately fostering greater patient engagement and reducing health disparities in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.