Digital health and social equality
Zheng, Changkai (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052214426
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052214426
Tiivistelmä
Technological innovation driven by digital technologies is rapidly changing the healthcare industry in the face of aging, chronic diseases, and the increasing pressure of limited medical resources. Telemedicine, health data management, and digital health services have transformed the global healthcare system. It is changing the healthcare industry and how personal health management is implemented by improving medical efficiency, optimizing patient experience, and reducing medical costs.
However, the popularity of digital health technologies has also raised concerns about digital health gaps caused by socioeconomic levels. Globally, digital inequality refers to gaps in digital skills, Internet connec-tivity, and technology access. Telemedicine, electronic health records, health tracking devices, and health apps are examples of gaps in the availability, utilization, and benefits of digital health technologies. These inequalities lead to significant differences in health outcomes and health services for different social groups, and these inequalities are often closely related to social group (internal factors) and economic policy geography (external factors) variables. These gaps are significant barriers to economic opportunities in the digital age. This article connects the perspectives of social inclusion and digital globalization while discussing the leading causes of the global digital gap.
Through a narrative literature review, this research investigated the connection between social equality and digital health. It also examined the causes of digital inequality, such as disparities in access to digital resources and abilities, and how these factors impact social equality. The study demonstrated that digital equality is hampered by socioeconomic reasons, limitations of networks and digital devices, vulnerable groups, and geographic discrepancies.
The research aims to close the digital gap and ensure equal access to digital resources. It offers verifiable evidence supporting improving socioeconomic conditions, creating targeted legislation, and enhancing educational possibilities. It seeks to create an ecosystem-based, sustainable digital health system.
However, the popularity of digital health technologies has also raised concerns about digital health gaps caused by socioeconomic levels. Globally, digital inequality refers to gaps in digital skills, Internet connec-tivity, and technology access. Telemedicine, electronic health records, health tracking devices, and health apps are examples of gaps in the availability, utilization, and benefits of digital health technologies. These inequalities lead to significant differences in health outcomes and health services for different social groups, and these inequalities are often closely related to social group (internal factors) and economic policy geography (external factors) variables. These gaps are significant barriers to economic opportunities in the digital age. This article connects the perspectives of social inclusion and digital globalization while discussing the leading causes of the global digital gap.
Through a narrative literature review, this research investigated the connection between social equality and digital health. It also examined the causes of digital inequality, such as disparities in access to digital resources and abilities, and how these factors impact social equality. The study demonstrated that digital equality is hampered by socioeconomic reasons, limitations of networks and digital devices, vulnerable groups, and geographic discrepancies.
The research aims to close the digital gap and ensure equal access to digital resources. It offers verifiable evidence supporting improving socioeconomic conditions, creating targeted legislation, and enhancing educational possibilities. It seeks to create an ecosystem-based, sustainable digital health system.