The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

The Future of Nursing 2020 to 2030 report explicitly addresses the need to integrate nursing expertise in designing, generating, analyzing, and applying data to support initiatives focused on social determinants of health (SDOH) and health equity (Bakken & Dreisbach, 2022). Social determinants of health (SDOH) have gained prominence in the evolving healthcare landscape. The traditional five key areas of SDOH include economic stability, education, social and community context, health and healthcare, and neighborhood and built environment (Healthy People, 2023). However, as we progress into a more digitally connected era, the question arises: Should digital inclusion or broadband access be added as a key area to the social determinants of health? Digital inclusion and broadband access should be considered vital components of SDOH. The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay The disparities in access to digital resources and the internet create a new dimension of inequality that directly affects health outcomes. According to Sieck et al. (2021) and Benda et al. (2020), these factors significantly impact individuals’ ability to manage their health, access healthcare services, and engage in health-related information. The digital divide, characterized by disparities in digital access and literacy, can have profound implications for health outcomes. One of these digital inclusions includes but is not limited to access to telemedicine and the utilization of EHR. The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

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Moreover, according to the CDC, in 2023, health outcomes are influenced by SDOH, and healthcare providers must consider them when assessing patients and determining their treatment. SDOH significantly impacts people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. They can significantly contribute to health disparities and inequities. Broadband access has become an SDOH determinant in healthcare and should be one of the key areas to evaluate in the SDOH. Because having access to the internet at home increases the quality of life for families and enhances economic and social opportunities (Valentin et al., 2023). Access to broadband in communities has become one of the significant concerns of policymakers. The digital divide, characterized by disparities in digital access and literacy, can have profound implications for health outcomes. Recognizing digital inclusion and broadband access as key components of SDOH is crucial in addressing the multifaceted nature of health disparities. As we advance towards a more digital future, ensuring equitable access to digital resources becomes paramount for promoting health equity and improving overall population health. The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

References

Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and Data Science Perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Pathway to Health Equity. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S77-S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004Links to an external site.

Benda, N. C., Veinot, T. C., Sieck, C. J., & Ancker, J. S. (2020). Broadband internet access is a social determinant of health! American Journal of Public Health, 110(8), 1123-1125. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.305784Links to an external site.

https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health, NPJ Digital Medicine, 4(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8Links to an external site.

Social Determinants of Health – Healthy People 2030 | Health.gov. (s. f.). https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-healthLinks to an external site.

Valentín-Sívico, J., Canfield, C., Low, S. A., & Gollnick, C. (2023). Evaluating the impact of broadband access and internet use in a small underserved rural community. Telecommunications Policy, 47(4), 102499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2023.102499Links to an external site. The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

Discussion Response

Today’s healthcare and the entire world are increasingly becoming interlinked through modern communication technologies, such as broadband access and digital inclusion, which must be included as essential elements of the social determinants of health (SDOH). In agreement with your point, there has been an increasing focus on the critical role that nursing knowledge must play in using data to promote health equality and SDOH. According to Mulligan (2023), traditional SDOH emphasizes the built environment, healthcare, social context, education, and economic stability; however, the emergence of digital inequities calls for a more comprehensive approach. Benda et al. (2020) and Sieck et al. (2021) demonstrate the significant influence of digital access on health outcomes in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment. Health disparities may be made worse by restricted access to telemedicine and difficulties using electronic health records (EHR). Since SDOH substantially impacts health outcomes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage healthcare practitioners to consider this when evaluating patients and making treatment choices (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

The CDC has recognized broadband connectivity as a factor of SDOH. It is essential for improving economic prospects and overall quality of life, especially when considering community differences. Additionally, policymakers have expressed various worries about the impact of the digital gap on health outcomes. This increases the need to critically recognize broadband access and digital inclusion as crucial elements of SDOH. Mulligan (2023) identified that fair access to digital resources is essential for improving population health and promoting health equality in our rapidly changing digital environment. The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay

References

Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and Data Science Perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Pathway to Health Equity. Nursing Outlook, 70(6), S77-S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004.

Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health, NPJ Digital Medicine, 4(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8

Mulligan K. (2023). Digital inclusion, online participation and health promotion: promising practices from community-led participatory journalism. Global health promotion, 30(2), 35–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/17579759221126150

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 8). Social determinants of health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html The Role of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access in Social Determinants of Health Essay