The digital health summit titled “Advancing Health Equity: Bridging the Telehealth Divide” recently hosted by Henry Ford Health in Michigan was a groundbreaking event aimed at addressing the disparities in access to telehealth services. The two-day summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
Ally Hunter, a virtual care consultant at Henry Ford Health, shared insights from the summit and highlighted the key goals of the event. The primary objective was to create a collaborative environment that focused on actionable solutions to improve digital equity in healthcare. The summit also aimed to leverage the expertise and experiences of community members to develop innovative strategies for addressing barriers to telehealth access.
One of the key topics that received significant attention during the summit was the concept of digital equity and its impact on telehealth services. Participants engaged in discussions around advocacy, access, technical support, digital skills, and devices, with a focus on understanding existing barriers and opportunities in these areas. The summit also showcased the work of several community organizations, such as the City of Detroit’s Office of Digital Equity and Inclusion, Human-I-T, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Empower My Future, and Senior Regional Collaborative, who are actively working to bridge the digital divide in their communities.
The summit concluded with several key takeaways for hospitals and health systems looking to improve digital health equity. Hunter emphasized the importance of engaging with communities to develop tailored solutions that address the unique needs of diverse populations. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of designing solutions that are accessible to all users, including those who may face challenges in using digital health tools.
Participant feedback from the summit underscored the urgency of investing in education, communication, and digital literacy initiatives to ensure equitable access to telehealth services. The consensus was that collaboration and community engagement are essential in addressing digital health disparities and promoting health equity for all individuals.
Overall, the digital health summit hosted by Henry Ford Health was a pivotal event that highlighted the importance of addressing digital equity in healthcare. By fostering collaboration, engaging with communities, and designing inclusive solutions, hospitals and health systems can work towards ensuring that telehealth services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.