Access to digital tools and the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for managing one

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Walden University *

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MISC

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Health Science

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by AmbassadorWaterHawk37

Main Post: Access to digital tools and the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for managing one's health. In an era where electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, patient portals, and mobile health apps have become integral to healthcare delivery, the lack of digital inclusion and broadband access can exacerbate health disparities (Haimi, M 2023). For instance, individuals with limited access to broadband may find it challenging to download or upload essential medical information. These barriers can result in delayed care, missed appointments, and misunderstandings between patients and healthcare providers, all of which can have adverse effects on health outcomes. The digital divide is closely intertwined with socioeconomic status. Individuals with lower incomes are more likely to lack access to high-speed internet and digital devices. This limits their ability to engage with healthcare resources, understand their medical conditions, and participate in telemedicine appointments (Brenda et al., 2020). As a result, these individuals face a significant disadvantage in managing their health. For example, a patient from a disadvantaged background may be unable to utilize a patient portal to schedule appointments or request medication refills. This disparity in access not only affects their health outcomes but also their overall healthcare experience. Geographic location plays a pivotal role in determining access to broadband internet. Many rural areas still need more reliable high-speed internet connections (Li et al., 2017). This has a direct impact on healthcare access, as residents of these areas may face longer travel times and limited healthcare facilities. Telemedicine could be a lifeline for these communities, but without broadband access, this option remains inaccessible (Li et al., 2017). Consider a scenario in which a patient with a chronic condition resides in a remote, broadband-deprived area. Their inability to access telemedicine may mean they receive irregular care, leading to worsened health outcomes. Digital inclusion is not solely about access; it also involves digital literacy. Patients must be comfortable using digital tools to make the most of modern healthcare resources (Ngiam et al, 2022). Low digital literacy levels, which are more prevalent among certain demographic groups, can lead to mismanagement of health records, missed healthcare appointments, and misunderstanding of medical advice. A person with limited digital literacy may struggle to navigate their EHR or understand the guidance provided via a patient portal. This can result in suboptimal healthcare decision-making and poorer health outcomes. Digital inclusion and broadband access are pivotal determinants of health in our digital age. Addressing the digital divide is not only a matter of social justice but also a fundamental necessity for achieving healthcare equity. By ensuring that everyone has equal access to and the skills to use digital healthcare resources, we empower individuals from all backgrounds to actively engage in their healthcare, leading to improved health outcomes and a more inclusive healthcare system overall. References:

Haimi, M. (2023). The tragic paradoxical effect of telemedicine on healthcare disparities- a time for redemption: a narrative review. BMC Medical Informatics & Decision Making, 23(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02194-4 Benda, N. C., Veinot, T. C., Sieck, C. J., & Ancker, J. S. (2020). Broadband internet access is a social determinant of health! American Journal of Public Health , 110(8), 1123–1125. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2020.305784 Li, Y., Spoer, B. R., Lampe, T. M., Hsieh, P. Y., Nelson, I. S., Vierse, A., Thorpe, L. E., & Gourevitch, M. N. (2023). Racial/ethnic and income disparities in neighborhood-level broadband access in 905 US cities, 2017–2021. Public Health (Elsevier), 217, 205–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.001 Ngiam, N. H. W., Yee, W. Q., Teo, N., Yow, K. S., Soundararajan, A., Lim, J. X., Lim, H. A., Tey, A., Tang, K. W. A., Tham, C. Y. X., Tan, J. P. Y., Lu, S. Y., Yoon, S., Ng, K. Y. Y., & Low, L. L. (2022). Building Digital Literacy in Older Adults of Low Socioeconomic Status in Singapore (Project Wire Up): Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(12), e40341. https://doi.org/10.2196/40341

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