Narrowing the Digital Divide: Framework for Creating Telehealth Equity Dashboards

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Digital Health Equity
• Healthcare Informatics

Background:

• Telehealth offers improved access but risks widening the digital divide and exacerbating health disparities.
• Standardized methods are needed for healthcare systems to measure and display telehealth disparities effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a strategic framework for developing and utilizing a telehealth equity dashboard.
• To guide health systems in addressing disparities in telehealth access and utilization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and operational experience from the SPROUT-CTSA Network.
• Development of a 3-phased approach: data definition, dashboard design, and deployment.

Main Results:

• A framework for creating a telehealth equity dashboard is proposed.
• The framework emphasizes defining metrics, user-friendly design, and maximizing engagement.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a telehealth equity dashboard is crucial for health systems to monitor and mitigate disparities.
• A phased approach ensures the effective development and deployment of tools to promote equitable telehealth access.