A Medical Student-Led Multipronged Initiative to Close the Digital Divide in Outpatient Primary Care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

 The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth. However, this also exacerbated health care disparities for vulnerable populations.

Objectives

 This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a medical student-led initiative to identify and address gaps in patient access to digital health resources in adult primary care clinics at an academic safety-net hospital.

Methods

 Medical students used an online HIPAA-compliant resource directory to screen for digital needs, connect patients with resources, and track outcome metrics. Through a series of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, the program grew to offer services such as information and registration for subsidized internet and phone services via the Affordable Connect

SUBMITTER: Jiangliu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11464158 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature