Improving Digital Health Literacy
As healthcare systems are providing more services remotely using technology, rural communities will need to address community needs related to digital health literacy. Digital health literacy describes the skills necessary to successfully navigate and use digital or electronic health information and patient resources. Several promising approaches for improving digital health literacy are included below.
Access to and Use of Digital Platforms
This approach focuses on educating individuals about using computers and other mobile devices to access medical information and interact with healthcare teams. This includes, for example, using electronic patient portals and technology for telehealth visits. Rural populations, especially people living in geographically remote locations, face increased digital barriers such as limited access to broadband internet and higher costs associated with accessing digital services.
Programs that help improve access to technology and educate about best methods for using health information may improve health outcomes in rural communities. For example, educating individuals on how to use computers, patient portals, and telehealth services to access medical information may improve health outcomes among rural patients with limited health literacy. It could also help individuals more easily identify trustworthy and reputable online sources of health information.
There are some technology-based interventions, or eHealth interventions, designed to help improve health literacy. Commonly, these interventions are delivered by computer and can be tailored for a variety of formats. These interventions are designed to deliver health education and information and build individual skills and behaviors. Some of the digital skills that programs can help people learn include:
- Accessing and using online medical scheduling platforms to make appointments
- Using and navigating electronic health records and patient portals
- Receiving text message reminders from healthcare providers
- Receiving digital health information instead of handouts (for example, information about medications, instructions for medication adherence)
- Obtaining results of medical or diagnostic tests online
- Searching for and evaluating online health information
Designing Health Literate Digital Content
This approach focuses on developing digital content using strategies to incorporate health literacy best practices. Best practices include using plain language and designing content that is simple and user-friendly.
Health Literacy Online is a research-based guide developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. It provides a step-by-step guide to develop clear and accessible digital health content. Rural programs can use the guide to design user-friendly tools and websites.
For more information about digital health literacy definitions and rural considerations when planning programs, see A New Era of Health Literacy? Expanded Definitions, Digital Influences, and Rural Perspectives in the Rural Monitor.
Example of Programs Focusing on Improving Digital Health Literacy
- The Network of the National Library of Medicine created All of Us Digital Health Literacy, a digital literacy training to support the health information needs of various communities.
Program Clearinghouse Examples
- University of Maryland Horowitz Center for Health Literacy, with support from the National Institutes of Health, developed a smartphone application known as HealthyMe/MiSalud. The app is designed to help users meet their goals for healthy living by finding useful health information. For example, the app includes a feature to help users understand nutrition labels and prevention recommendations and find nearby healthcare providers.
Implementation Considerations
Early in the planning stage, organizations should determine what specific technology and resources are needed to implement a digital health literacy program. Programs using digital platforms, apps, and tools to support digital health literacy must ensure that these tools can be incorporated across the organization and that community members can access the technology. This may include access to high-speed internet and use of a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Digital health interventions should be designed with the user in mind. They must be simple to use, have clear instructions, offer content in multiple formats, and be easily accessible. Programs using digital tools should also try to make them available in multiple languages to meet the needs of the community. Further, it may be necessary to provide training to both program staff and community members on a new digital platform or tool.