Medium November 11, 2021
Over time, healthcare disparities in the US have widened along lines of age, race, gender, language, location, and socioeconomic status. [1] Despite rising broadband infrastructure and mobile technology over the last decade, digital adoption in rural areas has lagged behind urban communities. [2] As such, there is real concern that growth in digital health and telehealth will compound the effects of digital healthcare disparities in our most vulnerable populations. This has invoked a call to action among digital health leaders and developers to align the future of digital health design around healthcare equity for all individuals.
The Healthcare Divide meets the Digital Divide
Thirty seven percent of the US population (121 million Americans) live in “healthcare deserts.” More specifically, 80%...