Journal
NETWORK MODELING AND ANALYSIS IN HEALTH INFORMATICS AND BIOINFORMATICS
Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
SPRINGERNATURE
DOI: 10.1007/s13721-021-00300-y
Keywords
COVID-19; Telehealth; Social determinants of health; Digital divide; Obstetrics and gynecology
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Telehealth has been proven to have comparable health outcomes in terms of patient-physician communication, satisfaction, and engagement. However, the digital divide exacerbates social and economic barriers to health and well-being, potentially serving as a social determinant of health. Addressing policy changes to bridge the digital divide could strengthen existing health care systems and allow for more patient-centered approaches in expressing lived narratives, particularly in a digital format.
Telehealth has been shown to have comparable health outcomes in terms of patient-physician communication, and patient satisfaction and engagement. Nevertheless, the digital divide has exacerbated the social and economic factors that create barriers to health and well-being. It, therefore, maybe a social determinant of health (SDOH). Such issues as decreased internet connectivity and a lack of Wi-Fi and video chat/webcam in both urban and rural areas can hinder the effectiveness of telehealth to its full capability, especially among communities of color, the poor, and medically underserved. The social aspects of the provision of health care by physicians and health care workers are utilized to combat mistrust and strengthen the physician-patient therapeutic relationship. Addressing policy changes to address the digital divide as a SDOH may strengthen existing health care and public health systems to allow for patient and community-centered approaches to expressing lived narratives, including in a digital format.
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