# Digital Divide * **Definition:** The disparity between individuals or communities who have access to digital technologies, such as the internet and electronic health records, and those who do not, which can lead to inequities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. * **Taxonomy:** Healthcare Topics / Digital Divide ## News * Selected news on the topic of **Digital Divide**, for healthcare technology leaders * 3.1K news items are in the system for this topic * Posts have been filtered for tech and healthcare-related keywords | Date | Title | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | 5/27/2025 | [**Digital Divide Deepens? Supreme Court Ruling Looms Over Rural Healthcare Telecom Program**](https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/digital-health/digital-divide-deepens-supreme-court-ruling-looms-over-rural-healthcare-telecom-program/) | [[Beckers Hospital Review]] | | 5/14/2025 | [**Data Integration: The Essential Element in Telemedicine Sustainability**](https://medcitynews.com/2025/05/data-integration-the-essential-element-in-telemedicine-sustainability/) | [[MedCity News]] | | 5/12/2025 | [**Transforming women's health, empowerment, and gender equality with digital health: evidence-based policy and practice**](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(25)00022-6/fulltext) | [[The Lancet]] | | 5/8/2025 | [**Trump to End Biden-Era Program to Bridge Digital Divide**](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-08/trump-to-end-biden-era-program-to-bridge-digital-divide) | [[Bloomberg]] | | 4/30/2025 | [**How an Israeli Health System Launched the Nation's First Virtual Hospital Program**](https://www.healthitanswers.net/how-an-israeli-health-system-launched-the-nations-first-virtual-hospital-program/) | [[Health IT Answers]] | | 4/25/2025 | [**Patient-Centric Care: Advancements in Digital Health Tools**](https://www.cioreview.com/news/patientcentric-care-advancements-in-digital-health-tools-nid-40926-cid-281.html) | [[CIO Review]] | | 3/19/2025 | [**Medical curriculum 2.0: Integrating technology and innovation in medical education**](https://kevinmd.com/2025/03/medical-curriculum-2-0-integrating-technology-and-innovation-in-medical-education.html) | [[KevinMD]] | | 3/11/2025 | [**The future of telemedicine and digital healthcare - by Gerald Chimaobi Nwachukwu**](https://medium.com/@ultimatestevengerald/the-future-of-telemedicine-and-digital-healthcare-b83c0f4a382b) | [[Medium]] | | 3/2/2025 | [**HIMSS 2025: AI and Tech Innovations Set to Transform Healthcare - ICT&health**](https://ictandhealth.com/ai-health-news/himss-2025-ai-and-tech-innovations-set-to-transform-healthcare) | [[ICT and Health]] | | 2/21/2025 | [**The urgency of centering safety-net organizations in AI governance - npj Digital Medicine**](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01479-4) | [[Nature]] | | 2/5/2025 | [**Provider investment needed to close digital divide - Healthcare Finance News**](https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/provider-investment-needed-close-digital-divide) | [[Healthcare Finance]] | | 1/31/2025 | [**Technology As A Healthcare Equalizer: Closing The Digital Divide - Forbes**](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/01/31/technology-as-a-healthcare-equalizer-closing-the-digital-divide/) | [[Forbes]] | | 12/4/2024 | [**Digital Divides and Disability - Ranking Health Determinants in a Digital Age: Learning from WHO and LSE**](https://www.healthpopuli.com/2024/12/04/digital-divides-and-disability-ranking-health-determinants-in-a-digital-age-learning-from-who-and-lse/) | [[Health Populi]] | | 11/23/2024 | [**China set to narrow digital divide - PR Newswire**](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-set-to-narrow-digital-divide-302314740.html) | [[PR Newswire]] | | 11/8/2024 | [**Digital Health Tools, Telemedicine, and Mobile Health Applications: How They're Enhancing ...**](https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2024/11/08/digital-health-tools-telemedicine-and-mobile-health-applications-how-theyre-enhancing-population-health/) | [[Healthcare IT Today]] | | 10/18/2024 | [**Bridging the digital divide to promote prevention and control of non-communicable diseases for all in China and beyond**](http://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj-2023-076768.short?rss=1) | [[BMJ]] | | 10/18/2024 | [**Bridging Healthcare's Digital Divide: The Interoperability Imperative**](https://hitconsultant.net/2024/10/18/bridging-healthcares-digital-divide-the-interoperability-imperative/) | [[HIT Consultant]] | | 10/10/2024 | [**The Power of “Techquity”: How Telehealth Can Help Promote Health Equity**](https://medcitynews.com/2024/10/the-power-of-techquity-how-telehealth-can-help-promote-health-equity/) | [[MedCity News]] | | 8/27/2024 | [**United States Telehealth Analysis Report 2024: Market Size, Trends, Competitive ...**](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/united-states-telehealth-analysis-report-142600432.html) | [[Yahoo Finance]] | | 8/21/2024 | [**Healthcare for All: Info-Tech Research Group Publishes Blueprint to Address the Digital Divide and Promote Health Equity in Underserved Communities**](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/healthcare-for-all-info-tech-research-group-publishes-blueprint-to-address-the-digital-divide-and-promote-health-equity-in-underserved-communities-302227607.html) | [[PR Newswire]] | | 8/12/2024 | [**Passport Seva Program Focuses on Speed, Scale, Security and Sustainability : feels Golok ...**](https://apacnewsnetwork.com/2024/08/passport-seva-program-focuses-on-speed-scale-security-and-sustainability-feels-golok-kumar-simli-principal-advisor-cto-ministry-of-external-affairs-goi/) | apacnewsnetwork.com | | 7/24/2024 | [**Bridging the Digital Divide: The Intersection of Healthcare and Technology for Black Detroiters**](https://michiganchronicle.com/bridging-the-digital-divide-the-intersection-of-healthcare-and-technology-for-black-detroiters/) | michiganchronicle.com | | 7/11/2024 | [**Sexual and reproductive health rights in the era of artificial intelligence - The Lancet**](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00696-2/fulltext) | [[The Lancet]] | | 7/9/2024 | [**Empowering Health Management Technologies for Underserved Populations**](https://www.infotech.com/research/ss/empowering-health-management-technologies-for-underserved-populations) | infotech.com | | 2/13/2024 | [**Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Integral Role Of AI And IoT In Shaping Modern Medicine**](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2024/02/14/revolutionizing-healthcare-the-integral-role-of-ai-and-iot-in-shaping-modern-medicine/) | [[Forbes]] | ## Topic Overview (Some LLM-derived content — please confirm with above primary sources) ### Key Players - **Children's National Hospital**: A healthcare institution addressing the digital divide affecting low-income and rural communities, particularly in telemedicine access. - **Compudopt**: A nonprofit organization that refurbishes and distributes technology to under-resourced communities, addressing the digital divide. - **Huawei**: A technology company advocating for open innovation to prevent a new digital divide exacerbated by AI advancements. - **Healthie**: A healthcare company emphasizing the importance of collaboration among innovators to address the digital divide. - **GeoLinks**: A company recognized for providing enterprise-grade Internet connectivity to close the digital divide. - **Cisco**: A technology company involved in initiatives to bridge the digital divide through skills training. - **EDISON Alliance**: An initiative launched to accelerate digital inclusion by uniting public and private leaders to address barriers in critical sectors. - **Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC)**: An organization receiving grants to enhance digital literacy and close the digital divide. - **Eutelsat**: A satellite telecommunications operator investing in projects to enhance digital sovereignty and bridge the digital divide. - **MediBuddy**: A healthcare technology company focused on bridging the digital divide by connecting patients with healthcare providers. - **Dr. Robert Muggah**: Involved in developing AI technologies for security and governance, addressing digital divide concerns. - **Digital Health Navigators (DHNs)**: Professionals who assist patients, especially those from underserved backgrounds, in overcoming barriers to using healthcare technology. - **NTCA**: The Rural Broadband Association representing nearly 850 independent broadband companies, focused on closing the digital divide through advocacy and education. - **Direct Travel**: A corporate entity that partners with nonprofits to donate technology resources to underserved students and families. - **Kinetic**: A fiber internet service provider focused on connecting underserved communities and providing digital literacy programs. - **SustainableIT.org**: A non-profit organization focused on sustainability and responsible AI, promoting digital transformation for global sustainability goals. - **City Startup Labs**: An organization that launched the ReConnex initiative to bridge Charlotte's digital divide, supported by grant funding. - **Consensus Cloud Solutions**: A leader in digital cloud fax technology, focusing on interoperability and health equity. - **Accelecom**: A provider of custom network connectivity solutions for healthcare systems, focusing on bridging the digital divide in healthcare access. ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **Public-private partnerships**: Collaborations aimed at improving service delivery and addressing the digital divide. - **EDISON Alliance**: Brings together public and private leaders to tackle barriers to digital inclusion in healthcare, education, and finance. - **SustainableIT.org**: Collaborates with industry leaders like Cisco and Deloitte to address environmental and digital equity challenges. - **Community-driven solutions**: Efforts to address disparities in healthcare access through local initiatives and partnerships. - **Global Task Force by Igarapê Institute and New America**: Aims to improve AI safety and governance, addressing risks associated with digital divides. - **Direct Travel and Compudopt**: A partnership aimed at donating retired corporate devices to under-resourced students, enhancing access to technology. - **SoNE Health and Chartis**: Collaborated to develop a scalable digital strategy aimed at enhancing patient access and loyalty while addressing equity in healthcare. - **Huawei and Kenyan Government**: Collaboration on the DigiTruck initiative to provide digital skills training to youth. - **Children's National Hospital**: Proposes subsidized smartphones and unlimited data plans for low-income families to improve telemedicine access. - **PCs for People and Compudopt**: Organizations receiving grants from a credit union's foundation to expand access to technology and education. - **Cisco and Rockwell Automation**: Launched the 'Digital Skills for Industry' program to address the skills gap in India's manufacturing sector. - **NIGCOMSAT and Eutelsat**: Strategic agreement to enhance digital inclusion in Nigeria through satellite connectivity. - **CDC and CMS**: Collaborated on the HTI-2 proposed rule to enhance interoperability and transparency in electronic health information. - **OCHIN and OSIS**: Partnered to improve EHR strategies for community health centers, addressing rising costs and staffing issues. - **Siemens Healthineers and OU Health**: Collaboration to deploy advanced diagnostic technologies in healthcare facilities. - **Accelecom and Georgia Healthcare System**: A partnership to provide secure network connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting advanced technologies. - **Alaska Communications and Matanuska Telecom Association**: Collaborating to promote training programs for skilled professionals in telecommunications. - **Oracle and ObvioHealth**: Expanded partnership to integrate digital trial solutions with health data management platforms. - **Intracom Telecom and Open Fiber**: Expanded partnership to provide gigabit connectivity in underserved areas of Italy. - **EY.ai Global AI Advisory Council**: Established by EY to guide AI strategy and promote responsible AI deployment through collaboration with industry leaders. ### Innovations, Trends, and Initiatives - **Digital Health Survey 2024**: Indicates that 70% of health systems are still in the planning or experimentation phases of digital capabilities, highlighting the digital divide. - **Digital Equity Act**: Legislation designed to provide resources for internet access and technology to underserved communities, facing political opposition. - **Digital literacy programs**: Initiatives designed to improve technology access and usage among underserved populations. - **Digital Skills Training**: Initiatives like the Student Freedom Initiative aim to bridge the digital divide by providing education and training in AI for underrepresented communities. - **Digital Literacy Initiatives**: Efforts to improve digital literacy among older adults and rural populations to enhance engagement with digital health resources. - **Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant**: New York's initiative to enhance digital literacy and access to devices. - **Telemedicine and Digital Health**: Technologies that enhance healthcare delivery and access, particularly for rural and underserved populations. - **Digital Health Solutions**: Recognized as transformative tools for managing non-communicable diseases, despite challenges in equitable access. - **DigiTruck Initiative**: A mobile classroom project in Kenya providing digital skills training to youth. - **Generative AI in Water Sector**: A project exploring the role of GenAI in enhancing digital transformation and bridging the digital divide in the water sector. - **Telemedicine Solutions**: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, highlighting the need for equitable access to technology for underserved populations. - **ReConnex Initiative**: A program aimed at bridging the digital divide in Charlotte, expanding on existing entrepreneurship programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. - **AI in Healthcare**: AI technologies are being integrated into healthcare to improve patient outcomes, but disparities in access to these technologies can exacerbate existing inequalities. - **IndiaAI Mission**: Aims to position India as a leader in AI while addressing the digital divide through investments in local data centers and cloud adoption. - **Internet for All**: A Biden administration initiative committing $80 billion to ensure high-speed internet access for all households by 2030. - **Telemedicine and AI Integration**: AI-powered diagnostic tools and telemedicine platforms are enhancing access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities. - **AI and IoT in Healthcare**: Technologies that enable real-time monitoring and improve patient care, with a focus on equitable access. - **Telehealth Innovations**: Implementing telemedicine stations in schools and satellite clinics to improve access to care in underserved areas. - **Pediatric Telehealth Growth**: Driven by rising pediatric obesity, telehealth programs are expanding to provide virtual consultations and support. - **Digital Therapeutics Market**: Expected to grow significantly, driven by the rise in chronic diseases and demand for scalable solutions. ### Challenges and Concerns - **Digital Divide**: The disparity in access to technology, particularly affecting low-income and marginalized groups, which hinders equitable healthcare delivery. - **Digital Divide in Healthcare**: Highlights the gap between digitally mature organizations and those still in planning phases. - **Disparities in Digital Literacy**: Contributes to the digital divide, limiting access to necessary technology for diverse communities. - **Access Inequities**: The digital divide affects access to digital healthcare, particularly for disabled individuals and those in rural areas. - **Healthcare Disparities**: The digital divide exacerbates healthcare disparities, limiting access to essential digital health resources, particularly for underserved communities. - **Access Disparities**: Over two billion people lack reliable internet access, with significant disparities in internet penetration rates between regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. - **Economic barriers**: Limited access to technology and healthcare tools, particularly affecting marginalized communities. - **Regulatory Barriers**: Outdated healthcare regulations hinder innovation and exacerbate the digital divide in healthcare access. - **Digital literacy**: Lack of skills and knowledge to effectively use digital health tools, hindering patient participation. - **Digital Literacy**: Low health literacy among Medicaid beneficiaries complicates their ability to utilize digital health solutions effectively. - **Technological Barriers**: Older adults face challenges in adopting e-health solutions due to digital literacy, anxiety, and poorly designed platforms. - **Cultural and Linguistic Barriers**: Many individuals, particularly in Latino communities, face challenges in accessing culturally competent healthcare due to a lack of providers and digital resources. - **Economic Obstacles**: Economic barriers prevent many individuals from accessing necessary technology for telehealth services. - **Data Privacy and Security**: Concerns regarding the protection of health data amidst the rise of telehealth and digital health technologies. - **Access to High-Speed Broadband**: Many Americans lack access to reliable internet, which is crucial for effective telemedicine and digital health services. - **AI Governance Gap**: Safety-net organizations lack resources to implement AI governance frameworks, risking equity in healthcare. - **Cybersecurity Threats**: Concerns regarding the protection of sensitive patient information in the digital health landscape.