The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Perspectives

The Need for a Digital Vital Sign

Authors: Anita Ramsetty, MD, CCMS

Abstract

Since early spring 2020, healthcare systems across the United States opted for the use of telehealth platforms to provide care to patients in varying degrees during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The vastly increased reliance on telehealth to deliver care has illuminated the issue of a persistent digital divide where there is unequal access to technology. Indeed, the digital divide is now being referred to as the new superdeterminant.1

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Bauerly BC, McCord RF, Hulkower R, et al. Broadband access as a public health issue: the role of law in expanding broadband access and connecting underserved communities for better health outcomes. J Law Med Ethics 2019;47(2_suppl):39–42.
 
2. Scott Kruse C, Karem P, Shifflett K, et al. Evaluating barriers to adopting telemedicine worldwide: a systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2018;24: 4–12.
 
3. Rovner BW, Casten RJ, Chang AM, et al. Mistrust, neighborhood deprivation, and telehealth use in African Americans with diabetes. Popul Health Manag 2021;24:699–700.
 
4. Ladin K, Porteny T, Perugini JM, et al. Perceptions of telehealth vs in-person visits among older adults with advanced kidney disease, care partners, and clinicians. JAMA Netw Open 2021;4:e2137193.
 
5. Norman CD, Skinner HA. eHEALS: the eHealth Literacy Scale. J Med Internet Res 2006;8:e27.
 
6. Yu D, Parmanto B, Dicianno B. An mHealth app for users with dexterity impairments: accessibility study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019;7:e202.
 
7. Eveleigh RM, Muskens E, van Ravesteijn H, et al. An overview of 19 instruments assessing the doctor-patient relationship: different models or concepts are used. J Clin Epidemiol 2012;65:10–15.
 
8. Hager ER, Quigg AM, Black MM, et al. Development and validity of a 2-item screen to identify families at risk for food insecurity. Pediatrics 2010;126: e26–e32.