Digital Inclusion and Health in Wales

Abstract

As information about health and illness is increasingly (and often exclusively) available in digital form, we face a new public health challenge – digital health inequality. Those who are least likely to be online (including older people and people with disabilities) are exactly those who experience the greatest burden of ill health.

Wales has particular challenges in digital inclusion, including social deprivation, an ageing population and poor broadband connectivity in remote rural areas.

In response to these challenges, a review of digital inclusion and health in Wales was commissioned in 2018. The review was carried out by the author (Gann) using a mixed methods approach including literature review, stakeholder interviews and case studies. The review identified creative, community based approaches which are showing inspiring ways to build digital access and confidence so people can become active partners in their own health.

Keywords:

• Digital inclusion
• digital literacy
• health inequalities
• health literacy
• library outreach
• social deprivation
• Wales

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bob Gann

Bob Gann, BA, Dip Lib ([email protected]), Digital Inclusion Specialist, National Health Service, 92a St Johns Road, London, SW11 1PX, United Kingdom.