In recent years, we have seen an increase in the use of patient-facing digital health solutions, particularly for the management of long-term diseases. This process of digitalisation in healthcare delivery can be transformative, empowering patients with access to reliable information, support groups, disease tracking, reminders, clinician communication, and a range of self-management features. However, these tools remain underutilised with low adoption rates and a small user-base.

A closer look at the technological and individual, as well as social barriers to digital health use, is essential to understand how changes in digital health design and deployment can improve technology adoption.

Barriers to Digital Health Solution Adoption in Patients

Designed for homogenous user groups

Digital health solutions are often developed with a homogeneous user group in mind to appeal to a diverse patient population. Unfortunately, this approach often fails to consider variations in patient experiences, disease progression, age, cultural backgrounds, health literacy, and technology familiarity, resulting in products that don’t meet the needs of most users effectively.

Low digital literacy

Many patients lack the necessary skills to effectively use digital health technologies. This can severely limit adoption as they are more likely to find it challenging to navigate apps, understand digital health information, and utilise the full range of features available.

Complex User Interfaces

Poor usability and complex user interfaces are reported as the most significant barriers to the uptake of digital health solutions in many patient groups, including those with heart disease. If digital solutions are perceived as time-consuming or overly complicated, patients are more likely to avoid them or will abandon using them rapidly.

Personal and technical limitations

Personal challenges that patients face can include cultural and psychological factors, such as fear of using technology that makes them more resistant to digital health solutions. Technological limitations can also hinder adoption, with patients in remote areas or low-income groups encountering problems such as limited access to devices and poor internet connections.

Low trust

A general lack of trust and concerns about data privacy and security make patients wary of using digital health solutions. A patient survey by Accenture found that close to half of all their respondents were unwilling to engage in virtual care with technology companies because they did not trust them to safeguard their healthcare information.

Strategies to Promote Digital Health Solution Use and Adherence

Inclusive design and personalised solutions

To promote patient use and adherence, digital health solutions should be designed inclusively and personalised to supplement in-person care. Co-designing, testing, and continuously improving these technologies with patient input ensures they meet diverse needs. Designers can also use behaviour change frameworks, such as the behaviour change wheel to tailor interventions to support positive behavioural changes, thereby reducing anxiety and resistance.

Patient education and training

Increasing patient awareness about the benefits of digital health technologies through education and training can significantly enhance adoption and adherence. By giving patients access to e-patient movements and advocacy groups, they can better understand their health and symptoms. Training also helps patients become more comfortable with digital health technologies, mitigating fears and encouraging consistent use.

Provide comprehensive support

Comprehensive support to drive patient adoption extends beyond formal programmes and peer support groups for patients. It should also include support and access for informal caregivers and family members who play an important role in patient wellbeing. Engaging them in digital health solutions can improve uptake and adherence, improving the quality of care for patients.

Robust data protection measures

The adoption of robust data protection measures builds patient trust and promotes the use of digital health solutions. Establishing data governance frameworks with ethical oversight, informed consent processes, and a commitment to ethical data use is essential for maintaining patient confidence in digital health technologies.

Better Integration in Clinician Workflows

Integrating digital health solutions into clinician workflows can enhance adoption of both patients and healthcare providers. Patients are more likely to use technologies recommended by their doctors, while clinicians are more likely to adopt and recommend solutions that integrate into their existing workflows. This can also improve clinician-patient communication, which is an important driver for patient adoption and use of digital health solutions.

Our digital health solutions are defined by their intuitive and engaging design, flexibility, functionality, regulatory compliance, and robust data security, ensuring a seamless experience for patients and healthcare providers alike. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help improve your digital health solutions! 

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