About this action

Digital exclusion compounds health inequalities, yet those most likely to be digitally excluded are often invisible in our systems. Proactively identifying these patients enables digital services to enhance rather than hinder access to care. Approaches to implementation: - Search for groups likely to be digitally excluded (see supporting resources) - Analyse appointment bookings to identify patients who never use online services - Cross-reference with deprivation indices and age data to find likely digitally excluded groups - Add markers to patient records indicating preference or need for non-digital communication - Ensure all digital services have accessible non-digital alternatives - Train reception staff to sensitively recognise and support digitally excluded patients Key benefits: Prevents digital services from widening health inequalities, ensures no patient is left behind by digital transformation, and maintains trust with communities who may feel excluded by technology.