The US should extend a programme to increase internet access and work on improving broadband infrastructure, write Sammer Marzouk and colleagues
In today’s digital age, access to healthcare and internet are often inseparable. Yet the internet isn’t equally accessible to everyone. People who lack digital technology are unable to use telehealth services, such as patient portals and videoconferencing, which have become a crucial part of medicine in many regions. They are also unable to engage with remote patient monitoring and other healthcare technologies that could improve their health. This digital divide can result in considerable health inequalities that entrench existing inequities. Bridging the gap between those who have access to the internet and those who do not is therefore crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.
In the US, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to close the digital divide, which