Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

New poll in Britain calls for 'more inclusive' approach to digital health

New poll in Britain calls for 'more inclusive' approach to digital health

A STARK divide in people's use of Covid-related technology such as contact-tracing apps risks disenfranchising some of Britain's most disadvantaged communities, researchers said on Thursday (25), calling for a more inclusive approach to digital health.

Nearly a fifth of respondents lacked access to a smartphone, 14 per cent lacked broadband internet, and 8 per cent had neither, hampering their access to key health information and services during the pandemic, according to a UK poll by the Ada Lovelace Institute.


The most clinically vulnerable, poorest and oldest were most likely to lack technology access, said the report by the independent research body.

"This has the dual effects of making their needs and interests invisible, and of disenfranchising them from consideration in the design and development of technologies," said the institute's Reema Patel, who led the research.

"Closing the data divide must start with closing the digital divide."

The study comes amid increasing concern that the pandemic has exacerbated health and social inequalities.

The Ada Lovelace Institute, which aims to ensure data and artificial intelligence (AI) work for everyone, said even if people had access to a smartphone or broadband, lack of digital literacy could leave them unaware of what tools were available.

Three fifths of those polled had not heard of symptom-tracking apps, and more than half did not know about mental health apps or online services for booking medical appointments.

Patel said there was a long-term danger that public health decisions informed by data collected from apps would further marginalise sections of society that could not access them.

"This risks perpetuating inequalities that existed before the pandemic and that have become more and more pronounced during the pandemic," she added.

More than half of people in the poll of 2,023 adults, supported by the Health Foundation charity, also said vaccine passports would likely lead to discrimination against ethnic minorities, LGBT+ people and those in precarious work, among others.

Britain is reviewing the idea of vaccine certificates - dubbed vaccine passports - allowing people to travel and access public spaces like restaurants and entertainment venues.

Nearly half of respondents from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds were concerned they would be discriminated against by the introduction of a passport scheme, compared to less than a third of white respondents.

People on lower incomes were also more worried than those on higher incomes, according to research by the institute which is named after 19th-century English mathematician Ada Lovelace, a trailblazer for women in maths and science.

Despite concerns about fairness, 70 per cent of the public thought the introduction of vaccine passports would boost vaccine uptake.

Opponents of such schemes fear they could be used to restrict the rights of those who have refused the jab.

The report urged policymakers and developers to place greater emphasis on understanding the attitudes of the wider population before and during implementation of digital health technologies.

More For You

Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex continues to captivate the world with its dedication to perfection

Getty

Timeless luxury: The 5 most expensive Rolex watches of 2025

Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, has once again redefined the boundaries of opulence in 2025. As one of the most iconic watchmakers in history, Rolex continues to create masterpieces that epitomise both innovation and style. Below, we explore some of the most expensive and desirable Rolex watches of the year, each a testament to unparalleled artistry and technical precision.

1. Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi Meteorite (£49,000)

Rolex GMT-Master II Rolex

Keep ReadingShow less
Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

Sukhvinder Kaur: Finding light in the tunnel of loneliness

LONELINESS can affect people of all ages and backgrounds in different ways. Sukhvinder Kaur was deeply impacted by social isolation after her marriage broke down, leaving her alone with two young children.

Despite a happy upbringing, a supportive family, and a strong community network, she began experiencing uncomfortable thoughts that didn’t resonate with her, leading to increased isolation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world.

iStock

Ayurveda: The ancient science of balance and well-being

Ashwini Gurujii

Ayurveda finds it origin in one of the four Vedas, the Atharvaveda. Brahma ji propounded the science of Ayurveda and passed it on to Daksh Prajapati, who gave it to Ashwini Kumars, the physicians of devas, and they gave it to Indra.

Ayurveda was given to mankind at the time of satyug, when the diseases though existed had not yet manifested in the physical world. The level of existence was so pure and selfless that diseases were unable to manifest then. The rishis of satyug realized that in the times to come, the thoughts of people are going to become so polluted that diseases will find the required environment to manifest and then the need of Ayurveda would arise, so Rishi Bharadwaj went up to Indra Dev and asked for this divine science.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why helping ageing parents is precious

As our parents age, we embrace new roles in their lives with compassion and care.

Why helping ageing parents is precious

AS OUR parents’ health begins to deteriorate, one of the hardest things in life is watching them age. Some can no longer walk for more than 10 minutes, and their memory isn’t what it used to be. There are also hidden complications associated with ageing.

I grew up in a working-class family. My dad was named Simba when he lived back in Zanzibar, Africa. He swam in the open ocean and ran for miles. The joinery skills he learned from his father have been passed down to my brother and me. My mum worked long hours sewing and in factories to provide for us, ensuring we had everything we needed. She also taught me never to rely on anyone for anything, which has shaped me into the strong, independent woman I am today.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spring-clock-change-iStock

Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes in living organisms, including plants, animals, and even bacteria. (Photo: iStock)

How the spring clock change impacts sleep and health

EVERY YEAR, about a quarter of the world's population adjusts their clocks for daylight saving time (DST).

While it may seem like a small change, some experience fatigue, irritability, and brain fog in the days that follow. For night owls, the adjustment can take weeks.

Keep ReadingShow less