TY - JOUR
T1 - Health literacy, digital health literacy and the implementation of digital health technologies in cancer care
T2 - the need for a strategic approach
AU - Kemp, Emma
AU - Trigg, Joshua
AU - Beatty, Lisa
AU - Christensen, Chris
AU - Dhillon, Haryana M.
AU - Maeder, Anthony
AU - Williams, Patricia A.H.
AU - Koczwara, Bogda
PY - 2021/2
Y1 - 2021/2
N2 - Issue addressed: Digital health technologies can potentially reduce health disparities in cancer care. However, the benefits of digital health technology depend partly on users’ digital health literacy, that is, “capabilities and resources required for individuals to use and benefit from digital health resources,” which combines health and digital literacy. We examined issues for digital health technology implementation in cancer care regarding digital health literacy, via stakeholder consultation. Methods: Consumers, health care professionals, researchers, developers, nongovernment and government/policy stakeholders (N = 51) participated in focus groups/interviews discussing barriers, enablers, needs and opportunities for digital health implementation in cancer care. Researchers applied framework analysis to identify themes of digital health literacy in the context of disparity and inclusion. Results: Limited digital and traditional health literacy were identified as barriers to digital technology engagement, with a range of difficulties identified for older, younger and socio-economically or geographically disadvantaged groups. Digital health technology was a potential enabler of health care access and literacy, affording opportunities to increase reach and engagement. Education combined with targeted design and implementation were identified means of addressing health and digital literacy to effectively implement digital health in cancer care. Conclusions: Implementing digital health in cancer care must address the variability of digital health literacy in recipients, including groups living with disadvantage and older and younger people, in order to be effective. So what?: If cancer outcome disparity is to be reduced via digital health technologies, they must be implemented strategically to address digital health literacy needs. Health policy should reflect this approach.
AB - Issue addressed: Digital health technologies can potentially reduce health disparities in cancer care. However, the benefits of digital health technology depend partly on users’ digital health literacy, that is, “capabilities and resources required for individuals to use and benefit from digital health resources,” which combines health and digital literacy. We examined issues for digital health technology implementation in cancer care regarding digital health literacy, via stakeholder consultation. Methods: Consumers, health care professionals, researchers, developers, nongovernment and government/policy stakeholders (N = 51) participated in focus groups/interviews discussing barriers, enablers, needs and opportunities for digital health implementation in cancer care. Researchers applied framework analysis to identify themes of digital health literacy in the context of disparity and inclusion. Results: Limited digital and traditional health literacy were identified as barriers to digital technology engagement, with a range of difficulties identified for older, younger and socio-economically or geographically disadvantaged groups. Digital health technology was a potential enabler of health care access and literacy, affording opportunities to increase reach and engagement. Education combined with targeted design and implementation were identified means of addressing health and digital literacy to effectively implement digital health in cancer care. Conclusions: Implementing digital health in cancer care must address the variability of digital health literacy in recipients, including groups living with disadvantage and older and younger people, in order to be effective. So what?: If cancer outcome disparity is to be reduced via digital health technologies, they must be implemented strategically to address digital health literacy needs. Health policy should reflect this approach.
KW - cancer
KW - eHealth
KW - health literacy
KW - health services accessibility
KW - vulnerable populations
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85091141687&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/hpja.387
DO - 10.1002/hpja.387
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85091141687
SN - 1036-1073
VL - 32
SP - 104
EP - 114
JO - Health Promotion Journal of Australia
JF - Health Promotion Journal of Australia
IS - S1
ER -
