“Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health” (2021), by Cynthia J. Sieck et al. Health Professions research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health

Cynthia J. Sieck, Amy R. Sheon, Jessica S. Ancker et al. · March 17, 2021 · Health Professions

Abstract

The use of digital tools and applications is steadily increasing and can support a range of health information needs 1 , 2 , 3 . As tools such as patient portals, health trackers, and remote monitoring devices see greater use, research suggests that tools such as health apps and patient portals can foster greater patient engagement, better support for patients outside of the clinic visit, and can improve health outcomes 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . However, greater reliance on digital tools has the potential to increase disparities between those who have skills and access to digital tools and those who do not and thereby existing health disparities.

Free PDF DOI: 10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8