Digital Inclusion in a Scottish National Pulmonary Hypertension Population

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Inequity
• Pulmonary Hypertension Research

Background:

• Digital inclusion is crucial for modern healthcare delivery.
• Understanding digital access and engagement in chronic disease populations is essential.
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients require ongoing management and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the digital inclusion of patients with pulmonary hypertension in Scotland.
• To identify barriers to digital engagement and preferences for virtual healthcare.
• To examine the impact of age and socioeconomic deprivation on digital access and use.

Main Methods:

• A paper questionnaire was distributed to all patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in Scotland.
• The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation was used for socioeconomic stratification.
• Data analysis included response rates, internet access, device availability, usage patterns, and barriers.

Main Results:

• A high response rate (86%) was achieved with paper questionnaires.
• 91% reported reliable internet access, and 89% had internet-enabled devices.
• Barriers included low confidence (19%) and lack of perceived benefit (7%). Older and more deprived patients showed lower digital engagement and desire for virtual care.

Conclusions:

• While most pulmonary hypertension patients have digital access, significant age- and deprivation-related disparities exist.
• Paper-based surveys are effective for this population.
• Future digital health strategies must actively address these inequities to ensure equitable access and benefit.