Main Library

Four ways to improve digital health equity

July 15, 2022Priya BathijaAmerican Hospital AssociationHealth Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH),Health Technology & Digital Health

Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in tech-based approaches to improving maternal outcomes and the birthing journey. While most women still have in-person visits to check the progress of their pregnancy, deliver or check-in following delivery, technology can expand the reach of health care services.

Digital solutions, including remote patient monitoring, mobile health apps, and telehealth visits can facilitate continuous communication between expecting and new moms and their care teams. They also can provide a sense of comfort and security, which is much needed during this period of life.

As hospitals and health systems increase their use of technology, it’s important to remember that not all patients have access to digital solutions. There are many barriers to access – including lack of access to broadband or internet at speeds high enough to support these solutions. According to Federal Communications Commission data, 21 million Americans don’t have access to broadband internet; 42 million can’t afford to purchase it. In addition, many individuals still do not own smartphones. The Pew Research Center reports that 14% of individuals living in rural areas own a cellphone but not a smartphone.

Even with access to technology, digital literacy – the ability to use, process and understand technology – can be a barrier to access. For example, individuals may face language or cultural barriers needed to engage with digital solutions.

At Becker’s Healthcare Conference, I had the opportunity to discuss digital solutions and the work that must be done to improve digital health equity, with two health care leaders – Alisahah Jackson, M.D., CommonSpirit Health’s system vice president of population health innovation and policy and Christina Yarrington, M.D., director of labor and delivery and the division director for maternal fetal medicine at Boston Medical Center.

Full Article

: digital health, health equity, SDOH

Related Posts

How a pandemic shines a brighter light on the need for SDoH innovation

November 26, 2021Garrett Schmitt

Five Important Health Care Trends That Consumers Should Track

July 29, 2021Garrett Schmitt

Social Determinants Of Health: Aggregated Precision Investment

June 14, 2021Garrett Schmitt

Recent Posts

  • PY 2023 Decisions for Competing with or Participating in Multi-ACO Enablers
  • Digital health companies must act on health equity. This is the time.
  • HEDIS Changes Reflect Focus on Health Equity
  • Strategic Implications of Health Equity in ACO REACH: Part 2 of 2
  • RECORDED WEBINAR: SDOH and the Risk of Poor Outcomes: To Adjust, or not To Adjust
 
  • Main Lobby
  • Exhibit Hall
  • Events
  • Exhibit With Us
  • Board Room
  • Library
  • Contact Us