Commentary: Reflecting on the Neglected Digital Divide Barriers of Telemedicine During COVID-19

Frontiers in Public Health

article

Ali Cheshmehzangi¹  Tong Zou²  Yuxi Zhang²  Hengcai Chen²  Zhaohui Su³  Ayotunde Dawodu²  Linjun Xie² 

[1] Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability ,(NERPS), Hiroshima University;Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China;Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies, Mays Cancer Center, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health San Antonio

关键词: telemedicine;    telehealth;    digital health;    digital divide;    digital divide barriers;    online healthcare;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2022.915401

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital technologies integration in everyday practices. Digital technology-based telemedicine (or telehealth) is one of the main areas that have grown significantly since the start of the pandemic ( 1 – 3 ). Nonetheless, it has widened the digital divide for multiple groups, such as those from remote locations, vulnerable socio-economic background, people with severe physical or mental disabilities, as well as regions with poor access to internet technologies ( 4 , 5 ). In particular, the elderly groups (or older adults) are affected the most, where we see growing challenges in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) ( 6 ), elderly care centers, and private households. Despite the growing attention on the development of ICT infrastructure, availability of ICT devices, and technology interest ( 7 ), there are still barriers to the effective use of telemedicine, particularly for vulnerable groups.

【 授权许可】

CC BY