What is the digital divide in healthcare?

The digital divide describes unequal access to and capability to use digital technologies, translating directly into inequitable health outcomes. It has four dimensions: access divide (lack of broadband/devices), skills divide (inability to navigate digital interfaces), usage divide (differential engagement driven by trust and motivation), and outcome divide (measurable health disparities). Socioeconomic deprivation, rurality, older age, disability, and ethnic-minority status are consistently associated with digital exclusion.