The adoption of digital technologies by both patients and staff has significantly increased over the last few years. Around 10 million more people in the UK used NHS websites or digital applications in 2021 compared with 2020, and NHS App registrations increased from 2 million people in 2021 to 30 million in 2023.
However, the benefits are not yet accessible for everyone.
- Around 7% of households still do not have home internet access
- Around one million people cancelled their broadband package in the last 12 months due to rising costs
- Around 10 million adults are estimated to lack foundation-level digital skills
- Around 30% of people who are offline feel that the NHS is one of the most difficult organisations to interact with
Some particular groups face a higher risk of being digitally excluded; these groups also generally face a higher risk of health inequalities, including:
- Older people, especially people over 75 years old
- People in more socio-economically disadvantaged groups, such as people that have lower incomes or who are unemployed
- Socially excluded groups, including people experiencing homelessness and people seeking asylum, people in contact with the justice system – also known as inclusion health groups
- Disabled people and people with life-impacting conditions
- People living in areas with inadequate broadband and mobile data coverage – more likely in rural and coastal areas
- People less fluent in understanding the English language.
Digital exclusion can compound health inequalities by exacerbating challenges with access to healthcare, skills and capability to navigate and use services, and the general resources needed to lead a healthy life.
Read more here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/inclusive-digital-healthcare-a-framework-for-nhs-action-on-digital-inclusion/