Health information technology utilization and impact on COVID-19 vaccination

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Health Equity

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of health information technology (HIT).
• HIT applications expanded to include telehealth, disease education, epidemiological updates, and vaccine scheduling.
• Significant health disparities were observed, with disproportionately higher rates of illness, hospitalization, and death among Hispanic or Latinx, Black, and Native American or Alaska Native populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of health information technology (HIT) in the context of COVID-19.
• To identify how social determinants of health and limited health literacy impact equitable access to healthcare and vaccination.
• To highlight the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in navigating HIT-dependent systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of pandemic-related health information technology trends.
• Examination of documented health disparities and their correlation with social determinants of health.
• Analysis of the impact of health literacy on patient engagement with HIT for vaccine access.

Main Results:

• HIT adoption surged for services like telehealth and vaccine scheduling during the pandemic.
• Social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status and broadband access, disproportionately affect minority groups.
• Complex HIT systems and low health literacy pose significant risks for inequitable COVID-19 vaccine access.

Conclusions:

• The increased reliance on HIT for health services, including COVID-19 vaccination, exacerbates existing health inequities.
• Addressing social determinants of health and improving health literacy are crucial for ensuring equitable access to HIT-enabled healthcare.
• Future strategies must consider digital divides and health literacy to promote health equity in the post-pandemic era.