Abstract
Digital health tools and research present a promise to scale effective interventions broadly, yet the promise of these tools has not been met. Digital health research has not always focused on addressing populations with the highest need or on reducing health disparities. Current models for developing and disseminating digital health interventions may serve (unknowingly) to increase health disparities. Incorporating the recommendations from intended users and knowledge of their technology usage/behaviors may help facilitate access and mitigate future intervention-generated inequalities.
Well-designed, accessible digital health tools and online resources have the potential to reach previously underserved populations. Truly accessible tools may overcome the limited health literacy skills of vulnerable or marginalized populations, to promote the scaling-up and scaling-out of theoretically sound, empirically based intervention approaches. Digital tools, tailored to the needs of providers, may enhance practice in day-to-day health care.
The goal of this Research Topic is to generate knowledge on how digital health can be leveraged to reach the most vulnerable and underserved. We are hoping to learn how technology-based tools and interventions can benefit all populations. We are seeking research that is focused on improving health equity via digital health from low-tech to high-tech solutions.