Digital technology use among disadvantaged Australians: implications for equitable consumer participation in digitally-mediated communication and information exchange with health services

Abstract

The considerable variation in ICT access and use within lower income and disadvantaged groups must be acknowledged and accommodated by health initiatives and services when delivering digitally-mediated consumer-provider interaction, online health information, or online self-management of health conditions. If services require consumers to participate in digitally-mediated communication exchange, then we suggest they might support skills and technology acquisition, and/or provide non-ICT alternatives, in order to avoid exacerbating health inequities.