Previous research in Europe has shown that E-health initiatives targeting vulnerable groups such as undocumented migrants and the homeless can increase access to care. The question is whether, and how, E-health can be used at Kruispost to improve care.
To investigate this, Trisja Boom studied the uses of E-health within our population of undocumented and homeless people in Amsterdam. She spoke with about fifty patients from the Kruispost and found that ninety-six percent owned a smartphone, an important prerequisite for using E-health applications. In addition, sixty percent were interested in using mobile applications for health promotion and more than eighty percent were digitally literate (i.e. the ability to handle digital technology).
The willingness and opportunities seem to be there, but risks remain in implementing E-health. A major limiting factor is (digital) low literacy, which underscores the importance of simplicity, patient-centered explanations, visual instructions and technical support. In addition, E-health should never replace regular face-to-face care from the Kruispost.
How E-health will find its way into the care of Kruispost after this promising research and what patients’ and caregivers’ experiences with it are, the future will tell.
Read Trisja’s report (Dutch) here.
