Evaluate the impact of digital health on reducing health inequities across Australia. (8 marks)
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Evaluation Statement
- Digital health has been partially effective in reducing health inequities across Australia.
- It has improved access to services and availability of information, but challenges with equity of access and digital literacy remain.
- This evaluation will consider access improvements and ongoing barriers to fairness.
Access to Services
- Telehealth has allowed people in rural and remote areas to consult specialists without travelling long distances.
- This is a critical strength, as it reduces the gap between city and country healthcare.
- The my health app and My Health Record also give patients instant access to results, prescriptions and vaccination records.
- Evidence supporting this includes widespread uptake of digital platforms, with 24 million Australians having a My Health Record.
- These tools strongly meet the goal of improving access and reducing geographic inequities.
Equity and Digital Literacy
- However, barriers such as poor internet in remote areas, lower digital skills and limited confidence in using health technology reduce fair access.
- For example, older Australians or those with lower socioeconomic status may struggle to use apps effectively.
- Concerns about privacy and security also discourage participation.
- These weaknesses mean digital health only partially fulfils its aim of reducing inequities across all groups.
Final Evaluation
- Overall, this evaluation demonstrates that digital health makes a valuable but incomplete contribution to reducing health inequities.
- While strong in expanding access, it is weakened by limited digital literacy and infrastructure gaps.
- Weighing these factors shows digital health is partially effective and requires further investment in education and connectivity to achieve optimal equity.
Show Worked Solution
Evaluation Statement
- Digital health has been partially effective in reducing health inequities across Australia.
- It has improved access to services and availability of information, but challenges with equity of access and digital literacy remain.
- This evaluation will consider access improvements and ongoing barriers to fairness.
Access to Services
- Telehealth has allowed people in rural and remote areas to consult specialists without travelling long distances.
- This is a critical strength, as it reduces the gap between city and country healthcare.
- The my health app and My Health Record also give patients instant access to results, prescriptions and vaccination records.
- Evidence supporting this includes widespread uptake of digital platforms, with 24 million Australians having a My Health Record.
- These tools strongly meet the goal of improving access and reducing geographic inequities.
Equity and Digital Literacy
- However, barriers such as poor internet in remote areas, lower digital skills and limited confidence in using health technology reduce fair access.
- For example, older Australians or those with lower socioeconomic status may struggle to use apps effectively.
- Concerns about privacy and security also discourage participation.
- These weaknesses mean digital health only partially fulfils its aim of reducing inequities across all groups.
Final Evaluation
- Overall, this evaluation demonstrates that digital health makes a valuable but incomplete contribution to reducing health inequities.
- While strong in expanding access, it is weakened by limited digital literacy and infrastructure gaps.
- Weighing these factors shows digital health is partially effective and requires further investment in education and connectivity to achieve optimal equity.