Bridging Up the gap in Health Equity

Though there are enormous ways how technology is bridging the gap in different social group of people, in today’s blog I will only emphasize on how technology decreases the health inequality in significant ways.

Technology has made it simpler for individuals to have access to healthcare services, remain informed about their health, and play an active role in their treatment. These developments have the potential to increase health equity by lowering obstacles to healthcare access and enabling individuals to manage their own health.

• Telemedicine: Telemedicine has made it simpler for people, particularly those in remote regions, to get healthcare treatments. Telemedicine enables individuals to consult with medical specialists, receive diagnoses, and obtain prescriptions without physically visiting a healthcare institution. This has enhanced healthcare equity by reducing obstacles to healthcare access for persons in distant places.
• Health information technology : Electronic health records  have made it simpler for healthcare practitioners to communicate patient information, therefore enhancing care coordination and decreasing the chance of medical mistakes. This technology has also made it simpler for people to access their medical information and remain informed about their health, therefore increasing health equity by enabling individuals to play an active part in their treatment.
• Wearable Device: The adoption of wearable technology has made it simpler for consumers to monitor their health and fitness. These gadgets may monitor vital signs, measure exercise levels, and track sleep patterns, so assisting individuals in avoiding chronic illnesses and remaining healthy. This technology has the ability to increase health equity by empowering individuals to manage their own health.
• Health Education:Technology has facilitated the dissemination of health education to a broader audience. Regardless of their location or socioeconomic standing, individuals have access to health information and tools via internet resources, smartphone applications, and social media. By providing everyone with access to the same health information and resources, this technology has the potential to enhance health equity.
• Health awareness: Social media platforms provide a platform for healthcare organizations and professionals to share health-related information and resources. This includes information on diseases, preventive measures, treatment options, and healthy behaviors.

Here is video for how technology might enhances health equity.

The role of Social Media in minimizing the gap in society:

Before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, social media played a crucial role in advancing health equity. Some of the ways in which social media have contributed to improved health for everybody are listed below.

Health information is now more accessible than ever before because to the widespread use of social media platforms that eliminate barriers based on geography and socioeconomic position. Twitter and Facebook, among others, have been utilised to provide vital health information and report developments related to COVID-19. This has aided in ensuring that people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations have equal access to accurate health information.

Social media has made it easier for doctors and patients to talk to one another about medical issues. Online video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have made it possible for doctors to see patients who are unable to physically visit their offices. As many individuals have been quarantined or otherwise prevented from leaving their homes because of the epidemic, this is of paramount importance.

Support for Communities Social media has created a space for communities to rally behind and aid one another. Facebook and Instagram have been used to build community support groups and offer emotional support to individuals suffering from the pandemic.

Social media has been utilised as a tool for both raising awareness and enacting change in the realm of health inequalities. Social media has been utilised by the #BlackLivesMatter campaign, for instance, to bring attention to racial healthcare inequalities and to push for legislative reforms that would reduce such gaps . That is why,before and during the COVID-19 epidemic, social media played a crucial role in promoting health equity. Social media has helped to guarantee that all people, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay for medical treatment, have access to the care they need.