NHS England says;

High levels of digital exclusion and digital health literacy in people from deprived and excluded communities who are also at greater risk of poorer health outcomes.

There is a clear and strong relationship between groups that are digitally excluded and those at greater risk of poor health. People from excluded groups or living in deprived areas often lack the skills, ability and means to get online. Helping them to access and use digital health services and tools can:

  • improve their health literacy & help them to better manage their health and care
  • offer them a better choice and convenience of service that suits their day to day lives
  • improve our relationships and how we communicate with patients
  • reduce the cost and burden on frontline services