Bridging the #DigitalDivide - The Crucial Role of Advanced Digital Health Technology

The #DigitalDivide is characterised by disparities in access to and proficiency in digital technologies and is a pressing emergency in today's interconnected world, particularly in the sparse and unevenly distributed population across Australia.?

The Digital Divide

Today, 1 in 4 Australians are digitally excluded, predominantly made up of Australia’s underprivileged, often located in regional and remote communities and largely over-represented by First Nations people: Good Things Foundation (2023). While progress has been made in increasing digital access across various sectors, there remains a substantial gap in digital infrastructure and the immediate detriment is felt in healthcare for those digitally disconnected.

A common experience is that Australians from the bush often have to travel hundreds of kilometres - often for life-saving treatment - and definitely nowhere near as far as someone from urban/city locations: ABC (2018). This exclusion directly translates to negative health impacts and serves to drive a further distance in the divide.

Positive Potential

On the other hand, the delivery of infrastructure, connectivity and mobilised advanced digital health technology to previously digitally excluded cohorts holds immense promise in delivering significant and immediate uplift in the quality of healthcare and the overall level of health of such people. For example, a 2018 report by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care discusses the impact of digital health on the safety and quality of healthcare and highlights that digital health can improve patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care.

It can also enhance access to healthcare services, particularly for those who are geographically or socially isolated: ACSQ (2018). A World Economic Forum report found that digital technologies can dramatically improve the quality of life for adults, highlighting that digital technologies can help create an inclusive labour and living environment for older adults to lead healthy and productive lives.?

Benefits

Whilst education is an important long term investment in social transformation, immediate positive impacts can be reaped from effective and targeted digital infrastructure investment followed by advanced digital healthcare advances that serve to rapidly narrow the divide. Key reasons as to why this is the case include the following:

Improved Access to Healthcare Services

Advanced digital health technology, including telemedicine and mobile health apps, enables individuals to access healthcare services regardless of their geographical location. This is particularly vital for those living in remote or underserved areas, where physical access to healthcare facilities may be limited. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare professionals through video calls, providing immediate advice, diagnosis, and treatment options. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the burden on overburdened healthcare facilities.

Enhanced Health Literacy and Education

Digital health technology empowers individuals by providing them with a wealth of information about their health and well-being. With the internet and mobile apps, Australians located in previously poor areas of connectivity will then be able to easily access educational resources, articles, and videos that promote health literacy. This knowledge equips individuals to make informed decisions about their health, leading to better self-management of chronic conditions and preventive care.

Empowering Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with limited mobility, often face challenges in accessing traditional healthcare services. Advanced digital health technology can break down these barriers. For instance, wearable devices and remote monitoring tools allow for continuous tracking of vital signs and other health metrics. This real-time data can be shared with healthcare providers, ensuring timely interventions and reducing the risk of complications.

Personalised Healthcare Solutions

Advanced Digital health technology enables the collection of vast amounts of patient data, which can be leveraged to create personalised healthcare solutions. Machine learning algorithms can analyse this data to identify patterns and provide tailored treatment plans based on an individual's unique health profile. This approach not only improves the efficacy of treatments but also minimises the potential for adverse reactions or ineffective therapies.

Cost-Effective and Efficient Care

Embracing digital health solutions can lead to significant cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. Telemedicine, for example, eliminates the need for transportation and reduces the time taken off work for medical appointments. Additionally, remote monitoring technologies can prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, leading to reduced healthcare expenditures.

Enhanced Chronic Disease Management

Chronic diseases represent a significant portion of healthcare challenges worldwide. Digital health technology plays a pivotal role in improving chronic disease management. Patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can use connected devices to monitor their health at home, allowing for early detection of complications and timely adjustments to their treatment plans.

Promoting Preventive Care and Early Intervention

Digital health technology encourages a proactive approach to healthcare. Mobile apps, wearable devices, and online health platforms provide tools for individuals to track their health metrics, set goals, and receive reminders for screenings and vaccinations. This shift towards preventive care can lead to early detection of health issues, ultimately resulting in better outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

Unlocking the unlimited potential of indigenous health methodologies woven into advanced technology

Indigenous health methodologies have been developed over thousands of years and are based on a deep understanding of the environment, culture, and spirituality. These methodologies are holistic and focus on the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. By weaving these methodologies into co-designed advanced technology, there is significant potential to unlock their unlimited improvements in health outcomes for First Nations Australians, the nation, and humanity as a whole.

Embracing Health Tech Innovation

Advanced digital health technology is a transformative force that has the potential to bridge the Digital Divide in healthcare. By providing improved access, empowering individuals, and revolutionising healthcare delivery, these technologies hold the key to a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.

Embracing these advancements is not only a matter of innovation but also a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone has the access they need to obtain necessary healthcare resources and services, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

References

ABC (2018), “Bush cancer patients travel hundreds of kilometres for life-saving treatment”, accessed on 1 Sep 2023 at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-21/cancer-patients-travel-hundreds-of-kilometres-for-treatment/9758072

ACSQ (2018), “Impact of Digital Health on the Safety and Quality of Health Care” viewed on 1 Sept at https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated/Report-The-Impact-of-Digital-Health-on-Safety-and-Quality-of-Healthcar....pdf ?

Good Things Foundation (2023), “The Digital Divide”, accessed on 1 Sep 2023 at https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org.au/the-digital-divide/ ?