This resource defines what digital exclusion is, who is commonly assumed to be excluded, and what can be done to address digital exclusion. Included is information from workshops with health and social care service providers on lessons learned and methods used to increase digital inclusion. This project also sought information from people who use health and care services about their experiences and the challenges they face when accessing care.

Link: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/exclusion-inclusion-digital-health-care

“Digital exclusion in health and care often overlaps with other forms of social exclusion and disadvantage. It isn’t simple or static, there are nuances and multiple dependencies that change depending on personal or clinical circumstances.”

​​​​​​​Contents: -

• What is digital exclusion in health and care?
• What can be done to improve digital inclusion?
• Fixing the fundamentals
• Structuring services around people’s needs and preferences
• Improving the quality and consistency of services

For more information about the experiences of service users, follow this link: https://features.kingsfund.org.uk/connection-lost/

To read the policy briefing (Ensuring digitally enabled health care is equitable and effective for all), follow this link: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/evidence-and-consultations/ensuring-digitally-enabled-health-care-equitable-effective-for-all

Reliability: The mission of The King’s Fund is to improve health and social care for all, and is not aligned with any political, professional or any other interests. Pritesh Mistry works as a Fellow in the policy team and focuses primarily on digital technologies. Joni Jabbal is a Senior Researcher whose primary focus is health and social care policy and practice.