Life expectancies will rise, quality of life will improve, and the ability to compare prices of care will enable patients to make more informed financial choices. If digital equity is neglected in healthcare, people without access to broadband and digital technology will fail to achieve health equity1.
Digital health equity is essential because it ensures that everyone has equal access to and benefits from digital health technologies, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or other demographic factors. Below are some the benefits derived from digital health equity
Improved health outcomes: Digital health tools can enhance disease prevention, management, and treatment, leading to better health outcomes for all.
Reduced health disparities: By addressing digital divides, we can help reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Enhanced healthcare access: Digital health technologies, such as telehealth, can expand access to healthcare services, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Empowered patients: Digital health tools can empower patients to take a more active role in their health management2.
Efficient healthcare delivery: Digital health solutions can streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.
Access to Care: Telehealth and other digital innovations can provide access to care for those in remote or underserved areas, reducing the need for travel and making healthcare more convenient3.
References
- IEEE Connecting the Unconnected. (2024). Digital Equity in healthcare
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2024). Digital Healthcare Innovations to Engage and Empower Patients in Their Care
- Tung, E. L., Press, V. G., & Peek, M. E. (2024). Digital Health Readiness and Health Equity. JAMA Network Open, 7(9), e2432733. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32733