In a time defined by technological innovation, digital health services are transforming healthcare delivery, offering more than just convenience. These services have the potential to mitigate longstanding disparities in access to healthcare as well as empower individuals who previously couldn’t, to advocate for their own wellbeing.

“Self-advocacy as the way to better value and outcomes” featured highly at a recent Liquid Future event discussing the new era of healthcare, and while I agree wholeheartedly that this is true, I also couldn’t help think that unless designed and implemented with the people who need empowerment in mind, ‘digital’ could potentially exacerbate inequity rather than improve it.

Empowering self-advocacy through information
Digital health services provide individuals with access to a wealth of health information and resources, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

To prevent the exacerbation of health disparities, it's essential that digital platforms prioritise the delivery of accurate, culturally sensitive, accessible and meaningful information.

Additionally, efforts should be made to address digital literacy gaps and language barriers to ensure that all individuals can effectively navigate and utilise digital health resources. Incorporating human-centered design principles ensures that digital platforms are intuitive, user-friendly and tailored to the needs and preferences of diverse populations, thereby promoting equitable access to information and resources. Identifying all users and conducting broad user research allows developers to gain insights into the unique needs, challenges and preferences of different user groups, ensuring that digital health solutions are designed with empathy and consideration for the diverse needs of their intended users.

Tailored and personalised care
Digital health services leverage algorithms and data analytics to deliver personalised care recommendations tailored to individual needs. However, it's crucial to guard against algorithmic bias, which can result in discriminatory or ineffective recommendations, particularly for marginalised groups. Digital strategies must incorporate measures to monitor and address biases in algorithms, as well as ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

Human-centered design principles emphasise the importance of understanding users' needs, preferences and experiences, ensuring that digital health interventions are responsive to the unique challenges and contexts faced by diverse populations. By combining user research with human-centered design, designers and developers can create personalised digital health solutions that resonate with their target audience and promote equitable access to care.

Cultivating support networks
Online communities and social media platforms offer invaluable opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences and access support. To prevent the perpetuation of disparities, digital health initiatives should prioritise the creation of inclusive and safe online spaces that cater to the needs of diverse populations. This may involve implementing moderation policies to prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful content, as well as fostering a culture of empathy and respect within online communities.

Human-centered design approaches involve actively involving end users in the design process, ensuring that digital platforms are co-created with the communities they serve, and incorporating feedback to continuously improve user experiences and outcomes.

Facilitating shared decision making
Digital tools facilitate shared decision making between patients and healthcare providers, empowering individuals to actively participate in their care. However, to ensure that all individuals can engage meaningfully in these processes, digital strategies must address barriers such as low health literacy, limited digital literacy and language differences. This may involve providing educational resources in multiple languages, offering user-friendly interfaces, and training healthcare professionals to effectively communicate with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Reducing health disparities
Digital health services have the potential to reduce health disparities by addressing underlying factors such as access to care and health literacy. However, to achieve this goal, digital strategies must be grounded in a commitment to people and equity. This may involve collaborating with community organisations, engaging with marginalised populations in the design and implementation of digital solutions, and continuously evaluating the impact of digital initiatives on health equity.

Read more about the new era of healthcare and the critical role Liquid plays in helping to overcome these challenges and create a health care system that enables all Australians to achieve their best possible future.

Leveraging digital health services for equity and self-advocacy: A path to empowerment

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