Digital Inclusion is known as the “Super Social Determinant of Health”, according to an article published by Nature in 2021, because of how important it has become to address other social determinants of health.
“For example, applications for employment, housing, and other assistance programs, each of which influences an individual’s health, are increasingly, and sometimes exclusively, accessible online. The costs of equipping a person to use the Internet are substantially lower than treating health conditions and the benefits are persistent and significant, making the efforts to improve digital literacy skills and access valuable tools to reduce disparities. “
The paper recommends that healthcare systems should support individuals’ digital inclusion needs, including digital skills.
It also recommends “health systems should partner with community organizations with expertise in training in digital literacy skills and facilitating connectivity.”
Transforming lives through digital inclusion