The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health

QUESTION

Both digital inclusion and broadband access to the Internet should be considered as a key component to social determinants of health. According to Sieck et al. (2021), 15 to 24 percent of people in the United States do not have access to connection to the Internet to use mobile health technology. As such, being able to access the Internet has become a highly significant aspect of everyday life. This is because the Internet is an important resource for so many areas of life, including work, education, accessing resources, and managing care (van Kessel et al., 2022). Health literacy is often directly associated with technical literacy as well. Patients need to be able to access the Internet so that they can understand their health condition, as well as so that they can navigate online portals, access their records, and increase access to health care services through telehealth.

It is well-known that not being able to access the Internet can contribute significantly to various areas of one’s life, just like many other social determinants, such as access to transportation (Sieck et al., 2021). Those who have limited Internet access may not have the resources they need available to them. For example, it may be far more difficult for patients to be able to schedule appointments for refill their prescriptions without a mobile device or Internet access to do so.

With that in mind, electronic health records, mobile health, patient portals, and telemedicine all have an effect on social determinants of health. Patients are able to have better access to their own health care and medical records, as well as an increased ability to access future care, such as by making telehealth appointments or conducting research to find a new specialist in their network. This is especially true for under-resourced and vulnerable populations, such as those with disabilities. According to Newman et al. (2018), these resources can be highly effective for improving health outcomes among those who have disabilities. These digital resources can help improve connections to care and even improve the coordination of care.

Without these important functions, however, patients are far more limited in their capacity to access high-quality care (van Kessel et al., 2022). Of course, none of these digital solutions can be attributed as meaningful if patients are not able to use them efficiently or effectively. Patients must have adequate health and technical literacy in order to utilize these advanced digital systems. Growing up or living in a community with limited digital access can greatly compromise one’s ability to be able to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by technology. That is why increasing access to digital resources must be accompanied by meaningful patient education.

ANSWER

 The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health

Introduction

Digital inclusion and broadband access to the Internet have become essential components of modern life. Access to the Internet has far-reaching implications, affecting various areas such as education, work, and healthcare. In the context of social determinants of health, limited access to the Internet can significantly impact individuals’ ability to manage their health, access healthcare services, and improve health literacy. This essay explores the importance of digital inclusion and broadband access as key determinants of health and highlights the positive impact of digital resources on patient care and outcomes.

Digital Access and Health Literacy

Research by Sieck et al. (2021) reveals that a substantial percentage of people in the United States lack access to the Internet, hindering their utilization of mobile health technology. This limitation directly affects health literacy, as individuals may struggle to understand their health conditions, access health resources, and navigate online portals. Patients with limited Internet access face challenges in scheduling appointments, refilling prescriptions, and accessing essential healthcare services.

Impact on Social Determinants of Health

Digital resources, such as electronic health records, patient portals, and telemedicine, play a crucial role in addressing social determinants of health. These resources empower patients to access their medical records, schedule telehealth appointments, and make informed healthcare decisions. Vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities, can benefit significantly from these resources, leading to improved health outcomes (Newman et al., 2018). For under-resourced communities, digital inclusion can bridge the gap in accessing high-quality care and improving care coordination.

Patient Education and Technical Literacy

While digital solutions offer significant advantages, their meaningful utilization depends on patients’ health and technical literacy. Merely increasing access to digital resources is insufficient; patient education on how to use these resources efficiently is vital. Communities with limited digital access must be accompanied by robust patient education initiatives to ensure individuals can fully leverage the opportunities presented by technology.

Conclusion

Digital inclusion and broadband access to the Internet are crucial components of social determinants of health. Limited access can hinder individuals’ ability to manage their health effectively and access essential healthcare services. Digital resources, such as patient portals and telemedicine, empower patients and enhance care coordination, especially for vulnerable populations. However, the successful utilization of digital solutions relies on patients’ health and technical literacy. Combining increased digital access with patient education will pave the way for improved health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system. As healthcare professionals, it is essential to advocate for digital inclusion to promote better health outcomes and patient empowerment.