Sieck et, al framework explains how critical digital access and the use of digital technologies play a major role in health outcomes. The key component to explaining the framework is Digital access, Digital Literacy, Digital Engagement, Social context and Health outcomes.  The Digital Literacy & Access figure explains the interconnectedness and benefits of digital inclusion.  Education is the most important element in the Digital and Access figure. With education you we allow people to become more self-sufficient to resolve the problem in their lives.  This Framework describes the impact to digital divide because it makes strides to resolve health concerns and outcomes. This framework explains that higher levels of digital access and digital literacy can lead to better health management and increase use of preventative services and reduce health disparities.

Sander and Scalon explains that digital access is a social issue because there is a divide in between individuals who have access to digital technology and those who don’t. Those who are hindered by digital divide or people of marginalized groups, such as low-income individuals, people with disabilities and rural communities. Sander and Scalon explains that access to technology and internet is a basic human right and essential for modern society. Lack of digital access can hinder individuals’ mobility in education, employment and healthcare. They explain in this article that it is essential for social workers to advocate for digital access and promote digital inclusion. Some of the way to an advocate for digital inclusion is community outreach, building partnership, researching areas with lack of access, formulating inclusive technology design, raising awareness and supporting legislative initiatives. Building partnerships with technology companies is a very important strategy, because we rely on legislation to approve funding for digital access. Working with technology companies to resolve digital access issue is the quickest way to resolve digital inclusion issues.

Craig et al. article explains how clinical skills should be developed with telehealth when work with LGBTQ+ youth.  Affirmative Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy should be used to treat LGBTQ+ individuals. Affirmative CBT aims to create a safe, supportive environment that validates their identities and experiences. The program Affirm uses virtual platforms to engage with client and devel strategies created a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Craig et,al explains that some of the problems LGBTQ+ individuals face in therapeutic settings is digital access, privacy concerns, digital literacy, safe spaces, discrimination, lack of resources, socio-economic issues. Craig et al explains how telehealth assist is a approach to resolve these LGBTQ+ issues.

References

Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., McInroy, L. B., Leung, V. W. Y., & Krishnan, S. (2021). Adapting clinical skills to telehealth: Applications of affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy with LGBTQ+ youth. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(4), 395–405. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00784-1

Sanders, C. K., & Scanlon, E. (2021). The digital divide is a social justice issue: Advancing social inclusion through digital equity. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 39(2), 124–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228835.2021.1915074

Sieck, C. J., Sheon, A., Ancker, J. S., Castek, J., Callahan, B., & Siefer, A. (2021). Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health. NPJ Digital Medicine, 4, 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-021-00413-8