The Rural Health Equity Cluster’s latest research examines how technology can connect rural residents to healthcare services. Participants from 10 rural communities were asked to brainstorm technology solutions and rate the solutions on their feasibility and their importance. Researchers and participants then came together as a group to interpret the results - also known as concept mapping. Related ideas are placed into clusters to co-create a visual solution. One of the clusters included teleconferencing and smartphone apps to remotely monitor patients’ health. In another cluster, participants emphasized the need for tools to be simple and accessible such as reliable and affordable internet and cellular coverage. Participants made clear that digital literacy’s often overlooked in the development of technology solutions and the faculty confirmed rural voices must be included in the design and delivery of tools to advance health equity.
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