Healthcare for All: Info-Tech Research Group Publishes Blueprint to Address the Digital Divide and Promote Health Equity in Underserved Communities

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Aug 21, 2024, 11:03 ET

Addressing the urgent need to bridge socioeconomic disparities in healthcare, Info-Tech Research Group has published a blueprint to promote equitable access to digital health solutions. The research-backed resource underscores the significance of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches by IT leaders and stakeholders in healthcare to overcome digital barriers. By focusing on key pillars such as advocacy, affordability, digital skills training, technical support, and technology access, the firm's resource aims to foster an inclusive and effective digital health ecosystem for all.

TORONTO, Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Socioeconomic disparities, low digital literacy, and cultural barriers continue to obstruct equitable healthcare access, leaving underserved populations at a significant disadvantage. Recognizing the urgency of these challenges and to help bridge the digital divide in healthcare, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations. This resource is designed to help IT leaders in the industry ensure modern healthcare innovations are accessible and effective across all communities, fostering a more inclusive and efficient digital health ecosystem.

Info-Tech Research Group's "Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations" blueprint highlights five pillars of digital health access that will be crucial in addressing digital and telehealth equity gaps. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

"As technology rapidly shapes the future of healthcare, the digital divide remains a significant challenge," says Neal Rosenblatt, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "While affluent communities and urban centers typically benefit from seamless access to digital health resources, rural populations are often left behind. Even in urban areas, many populations are impacted due to racial, ethnic, financial, and other socioeconomic barriers."

Info-Tech's research insights highlight key challenges contributing to the healthcare digital divide, such as insufficient infrastructure investment in certain regions and the lack of culturally sensitive digital health solutions tailored to diverse communities. These barriers significantly impede the adoption and effective use of digital health technologies, leaving many underserved populations without access to the benefits of modern healthcare advancements. Bridging this divide is essential to ensure that digital health solutions can reach all population segments, particularly those most in need.

"This inequity not only perpetuates health disparities but also hinders the potential of technology-driven population health management to reach its fullest impact," explains Rosenblatt. "To address the digital divide in population health management, a multifaceted approach is essential."

The firm's resource outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the healthcare digital divide, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations. Info-Tech advises that these collaborations should focus on enhancing infrastructure, implementing digital literacy programs, and developing inclusive, accessible digital health solutions. Building trust with communities, educating patients, and continuously improving digital health interventions are other essential steps in bridging this divide.

In the blueprint, Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations, Info-Tech highlights five pillars of digital health access that will be crucial in addressing digital and telehealth equity gaps:

1. Advocacy & Awareness:

Permanent expansion of low-cost broadband
Permanent adoption of telehealth reimbursement

2. Access & Affordability:

Discount broadband
Public Wi-Fi
Mobile hotspots
Internet in public/affordable housing
Wi-Fi buses

3. Digital Skills Training:

Digital literacy
Online safety
Telehealth literacy
Managing personal health information

4. Technical Help & Support:

Tech support hotlines
Digital connectors/navigators
Technical organizers
Volunteers/community health workers (CHWs)
Community tech events

5. Technology & Devices:

School laptop programs
Refurbished computers
Discount computers & mobile devices
Laptop lending
Public computer centers
Mobile computer labs

By addressing critical barriers and promoting the adoption of innovative digital health solutions, the guidance provided for IT and organizational leaders in Info-Tech's resource has the potential to positively impact underserved communities, ensuring they receive equitable healthcare access.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Neal Rosenblatt, an expert in the healthcare industry, and access to the complete Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations blueprint, please contact [email protected].

Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Conference

Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group