What Good Looks Like for Communities

The introduction of digital technologies into the health system has the potential to bring about major long-term improvements in health outcomes for communities. Concerns exist however that the digital transformation of healthcare will also result in the widening of existing health inequalities as digital technologies become a new barrier for communities to access the healthcare they need. Ensuring that digitalisation does not lead to greater health inequality, requires a deep understanding of how different groups and communities - above all those who live and work in economically and socially deprived neighbourhoods – access and use digital devices, applications, and services. Integrating this knowledge into the innovation process from the beginning should lead to the development of digital technologies and services that meet the needs of communities resulting in greater adoption levels.

The report presents the results of the analysis of qualitative data collected by Peer Researchers from walsall housing group (whg), a social housing organisation, on how whg residents engage with digital technologies and online services in general and to access health services. The report concludes that digital technologies need to be aligned with the needs of communities and local networks of training and support need to be created if digitalisation is not to widen existing health inequalities.