Using evidence-based internet interventions to reduce health disparities worldwide

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Disparities Research
• Global Public Health

Background:

• Health disparities remain a significant global challenge.
• Consumable interventions, which are single-use, hinder efforts to reduce these disparities.
• There is a need for reusable, scalable interventions accessible beyond traditional healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that automated, self-help, evidence-based Internet interventions can reduce global health disparities.
• To present a framework for developing and disseminating these digital health solutions.
• To propose strategies for integrating these interventions into public health settings.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on health disparities and digital interventions.
• Presentation of a framework for a matrix of health problems and languages.
• Discussion of proof-of-concept studies demonstrating reach and scalability.
• Outline of a continuum of evidence-based Internet interventions for sharing.

Main Results:

• Evidence-based Internet interventions can reach hundreds of thousands globally.
• These interventions can augment public sector services and offer new prevention programs.
• A framework exists for systematic development and deployment across languages and conditions.

Conclusions:

• Automated, self-help, evidence-based Internet interventions meet criteria for reducing health disparities.
• Public sector clinics can establish eHealth centers to deliver these services.
• Sharing these interventions globally, particularly in accessible formats, is key to reducing disparities.