Women’s health experts have called for action to remove the “unacceptable” barriers to digital health.
Digital health technologies have been shown to improve women’s health and promote equity.
A new WHO/Europe report has found that digital health tools are particularly useful in areas related to gynaecology, obstetrics, psychiatry and nutrition, improving access to healthcare services and empowering women to have more autonomy.
However, experts have warned that barriers, such as digital literacy and limited access to technologies, could prevent many girls and women from using these innovations.
“Addressing the barriers to digital health technologies is crucial for ensuring all women benefit equitably,” Dr Eboni January, board-certified physician and surgeon, told Femtech World.
“Ensuring that digital health solutions are user-friendly and available in various languages can significantly enhance accessibility. Additionally, providing low-cost or subsidised devices and internet access can help alleviate financial barriers.”
Developing digital health technologies that are culturally sensitive and relevant to the diverse needs of women is also crucial, said January.
“Engaging with community leaders and stakeholders can help ensure that these technologies are designed with cultural considerations in mind.”
Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist, said community-based digital education initiatives could help women develop the skills needed to navigate and utilise digital health tools effectively.
“Working with tech companies and policymakers is also essential to ensure that affordable devices and internet access are available to all, particularly in underserved communities,” she explained.
Dr Louise Newson, GP and menopause specialist
Women and girls are 25 per cent less likely than men to have sufficient knowledge and digital skills to use technology. Digital health disparities disproportionately affect marginalised women, making it challenging for them to access healthcare services.
Dr Emilia Pasiah, board-certified physician specialised in family medicine, said digital literacy programmes are essential.
“Educating women on how to use digital health tools effectively can empower them to take control of their health,” she told Femtech World.
“Healthcare providers must be trained to incorporate digital tools into their practice and advocate their use among patients. This can enhance trust and promote the benefits of digital health solutions.
“Addressing privacy and security concerns is also crucial to gaining trust. Ensuring robust data protection and transparency about how data is used can alleviate fears and encourage the adoption of digital health tools.”
This privacy aspect might be particularly crucial in regions or communities with stigma or social barriers.
Melissa Snover, founder and CEO of Nourished, added: “We need to provide education and resources to boost women’s digital skills, and make these technologies accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This means developing affordable solutions and implementing supportive policies tailored to the unique needs of underserved communities.”
When considering health outcomes for women facing socioeconomic barriers, Annie Thériault, managing partner at Cross-Border Impact Ventures, said it is “critical” that we recognise these groups would only take up interventions that are heavily subsidised or free.
“Public healthcare systems and insurance providers have a role to play in addressing barriers to digital health solutions and should implement mechanisms to make digital health services affordable and reimbursable,” she said.
“Leveraging the capacity and ubiquity of private sector players can also significantly impact digital health uptake. Hardware manufacturers have a tremendous opportunity to drive traffic to their storefronts by partnering with public health entities that could promote their solutions and provide digital health training in-store.”
Companies like Apple, Thériault said, are already providing digital literacy sessions in-store, though this is largely unknown.
Some, however, believe the barriers to digital health adoption should be addressed early on.
According to Theresa Neil, founder and CEO of Guidea, creating accessible and equitable digital health solutions should start with culturally competent research.
“Culturally competent research means planning and executing research studies to include women of all abilities, literacy levels, access to technology, and caregiving responsibilities.
“Early market and UX research could identify opportunities where technology can improve patient outcomes, and where technology may be just one piece of a broader solution.”