Community-Driven, Bioethics-Informed Approaches to Digital Inclusion

Digital health technologies are transforming healthcare by enabling continuous monitoring of conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cardiac arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation's episodic nature makes it difficult to detect in clinical settings, and digital health devices offer a promising solution. However, Black and Latino individuals, who face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, experience disparities in AF detection and treatment due to barriers like limited access to care and clinician bias. These challenges are compounded by a lack of trust in the healthcare system and low adoption of digital health tools in underserved communities.

In this study the aim was to identify facilitators and barriers to adopting technology-based AF surveillance among Black and Latino adults with cardiovascular disease and key stakeholders. We further examined ethical considerations related to distributive justice and trust-building and proposed strategies to address these disparities.

Semistructured interviews were conducted between April and September 2023 with 25 stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, and community health workers (CHWs). Interviews explored behavioral, environmental, and system-based factors influencing digital health adoption. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by the socioecological framework.

Barriers included low self-efficacy, financial constraints, language barriers, privacy concerns, and mistrust in healthcare systems. Facilitators included CHWs providing education and personalized support, family and community involvement, and health as a motivator. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing financial and logistical barriers, building trust through long-term community engagement, and tailoring interventions to underserved populations' needs.

Digital health devices hold potential for improving AF detection and management in underserved communities. However, a community-centered approach is necessary to bridge the digital divide, address ethical challenges, and build trust. Leveraging CHWs and trusted community settings can enhance access, engagement, and equity in digital health adoption for AF surveillance.