Digital exclusion in health and social care services: solutions implemented in Finland

Abstract Poor access to healthcare and long waiting times are severe challenges in many countries including Finland. One way that Finland tries to solve these problems is digitalization of health and social care services. For example, digital health and social care services were essential in maintaining access to care during the Covid-19 pandemic, and their number has increased since then. This hassled to a substantial challenge in Finland because it can deepen inequalities in access to care and lead to digital exclusion. Thus, the increased delivery of digital health and social care services could hinder some individuals from receiving healthcare services they need. DigiIN project has examined digital exclusion in Finland and shown that factors such as low education, deteriorating health, memory issues, vision problems, older age, migrant background, and living alone increase the risk of digital exclusion. Additionally, barriers like lack of digital skills, inadequate access to devices, and societal inequalities hinder the benefits of digital services. However, our findings reveal that the situation is more complex than it seems, as individuals in these groups vulnerable to digital exclusion are highly diverse. According to our scientific research we have given recommendations to ensure that Finland's digital services are equal. Moreover, we have given online instructions on service providers and planners on how to plan digital services in a way that they consider also vulnerable peoples’ needs. Moreover, we are conducting a comprehensive investigation (mapping) on various approaches Finland has employed to address digital exclusion. In this workshop, we will present solutions that Finland has implemented to try to address or minimize digital exclusion in health and social care.