Digital health has become a crucial component of modern healthcare systems, leveraging information and communication technologies to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. It includes solutions such as electronic health records, telemedicine, mobile applications, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence. Despite the great potential of these technologies, the main challenge remains ensuring fair access so that digital transformation reduces rather than exacerbates social and regional inequalities.
Aim: to outline what is known about the current state of access to digital health and its use by the population, and to identify ways to ensure fair access to high-quality health services.
Materials and methods: A literature review and documentary method were applied. A review of documents and peer-reviewed open-access scientific articles published over the last 15 years was conducted.
Results: Telemedicine, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, and wearable devices facilitate access to care and encourage active patient participation. However, lack of internet access, digital literacy, or financial resources can exacerbate inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, but it has also highlighted social disparities in access to them.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of digital health requires trust between patients and healthcare professionals, equal access to technology, and coordination between institutions, technology partners, and communities.
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