Putting patients first: Championing good practice in combatting digital health inequalities (9 May 2022)

Summary

This report has been developed by the Patient Coalition for AI, Data and Digital Tech in Health, which aims to unite representatives from patient advocacy groups, including Patient Safety Learning, Royal Colleges, medical charities, industry and other stakeholders committed to ensuring that patient interests lie at the heart of digital health policy and discussions. 

The report focuses on how programmes have worked with patients to reduce digital health inequalities, by supporting those who are unable to access and use the internet and digital devices to improve their health and general wellbeing.

Content

This report covers the following subjects:

• What do we mean by digital health inequalities?
• The scale of digital exclusion in the UK
• The impact on patients
• Case studies of good practice
• How can we use these examples going forward

Recommendations for the Government and the NHS

• Engage with those digitally excluded 
• Ensure patients have a choice 
• Ensure the language is appropriate for all audiences
• Learn from good practice

Related reading

Digital health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning lessons to maintain momentum (February 2021)