A Program to Improve Digital Access and Literacy Among Community Stakeholders: Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Digital health equity
• Health disparities

Background:

• Community stakeholders are vital in research, but the COVID-19 pandemic's digital shift risks excluding those in low-income settings.
• Addressing the Digital Divide to Improve Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) program was developed to mitigate this exclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and feasibility of the Addressing the Digital Divide to Improve PCOR program.
• To assess changes in participants' comfort and use of digital technology post-program.

Main Methods:

• Co-created a digital technology training course with 20 community leaders.
• Assessed technology use and comfort using an adapted 8-item Functional Assessment of Comfort Employing Technology Scale.
• Analyzed survey data using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and conducted focus groups with 10 participants, followed by reflective journaling and content analysis.

Main Results:

• The program was feasible and deemed worthwhile by 94% (15/16) of participants.
• Participants reported a significant increase in the frequency of technology use (z=2.76, P=.006).
• Participants found the technology training successful but suggested a slower pace and a helpline for support.

Conclusions:

• Technology training is crucial for reducing technology disparities in populations with low literacy.
• Low-cost interventions can equip community members for virtual participation in research and engagement initiatives.
• Future programs should incorporate participant feedback for optimal effectiveness.