SAN FRANCISCO: A new study by UC San Francisco reveals that language, education, and age significantly influence how people engage with digital health tools, such as patient portals, treatment apps, and online appointment schedulers. While these tools are transforming healthcare accessibility, they are not equally user-friendly for everyone.
The research, conducted at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, surveyed caregivers of hospitalized children. Findings indicate that younger, English-speaking individuals are more comfortable using digital health tools compared to older adults, Spanish speakers, and those with lower education levels.
Language, education, and age play key roles
According to Naomi Bardach, MD, professor of pediatrics at UCSF, digital tools must work for all demographics to prevent exacerbating health disparities. “We don’t want to leave people behind, whether they are older adults, people with lower education, or those of a specific race, ethnicity, or language background,” Bardach emphasized.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, highlights how education emerges as a critical factor. Individuals with a high school education or less reported the lowest comfort levels in using digital health platforms.
Insights on comfort and privacy concerns
Caregivers were assessed on three factors: engagement, motivation, and perceived safety while using digital tools. Latinx and Black caregivers reported lower levels of feeling "safe and in control" when using these platforms, whereas rural caregivers surprisingly showed higher comfort with privacy features and motivation to use digital health tools.
Adults over 45 were less motivated to use digital platforms but believed they could engage effectively if necessary. This contrasts with younger English-speaking individuals, who demonstrated the highest levels of comfort and confidence.
“Accessing these tools impacts daily healthcare activities—like requesting medication refills, tracking fitness data, or helping a child with ADHD through therapeutic apps,” Bardach explained. She stressed the need to ensure digital tools are inclusive and offer alternatives for those who struggle to use them.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare
As digital health continues to expand, the study underscores the importance of designing user-friendly tools and providing adequate support to diverse populations. Without equitable access, these advancements risk deepening existing health inequities.