Potential of Mobile Health Technology to Reduce Health Disparities in Underserved Communities.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to change how patients make healthcare decisions. We sought to determine the readiness to use mHealth technology in underserved communities.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients presenting with low-acuity complaints to an urban emergency department (ED) with an underserved population. Patients over the age of two who presented with low-acuity complaints were included. We conducted structured interview with each patient or parent (for minors) about willingness to use mHealth tools for guidance. Analysis included descriptive statistics and univariate analysis based on age and gender.

Results

Of 560 patients included in the survey, 80% were adults, 64% female, and 90% Black. The mean age was 28 ±

SUBMITTER: van Veen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6754190 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature