Exploring Digital Health Solutions For Rural Communities

Digital tools and technologies have the potential to make access to health and care services easier and improve engagement and outcomes for patients. However, ongoing gaps in digital connectivity, skills and confidence in rural areas mean that health inequalities could worsen if approaches are not tailored to specific rural contexts.

The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, Fit for the Future, acknowledges the need for tailored service offers to deliver personalised and coordinated care in rural communities.

A new project led by the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), in partnership with organisations across the North East and North Cumbria, will explore how digital innovation can support these aims. The initiative forms part of the NortHFutures Digital Health Hub and begins with a launch event on Thursday 13 November (10am–3pm) at Hexham Racecourse.

The event will:

• Showcase real-world examples of how digital tools are improving access and outcomes in rural areas.
• Examine barriers to rural digital health innovation, including connectivity and confidence.
• Bring together researchers, clinicians, policy makers and community organisations to develop collaborative solutions.

Details about the event and how to sign up can be found here

If you would like to find out more or help to inform the rural digital health module, contact [email protected]