Digital interaction has become an essential tool for people in rural communities, helping them overcome geographical barriers and access crucial services. Online platforms enable rural residents to connect with healthcare providers through telemedicine, access educational resources, and participate in e-governance initiatives, reducing the need for long-distance travel (Warren, 2007; Correa & Pavez, 2016). Data from the NCR-Stat: Baseline Survey 2024 developed by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development show that rural residents in the North Central Region most frequently engage in digital interactions with healthcare providers (Figure 1). Previous studies suggest that since the COVID-19 pandemic began, rural areas have seen a rapid surge in technology adoption, supported by increased broadband investment. However, research highlights potential differences in digital literacy and skills among rural population and older adults, in particular (Choi et al., 2022; Hodge et al., 2017).
Figure 1. The digital interaction patterns of rural respondents in the North Central Region (N=1,021)
CR-Stat: Baseline Survey 2024. The dataset developed by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. Unpublished data.
Looking at the situation in the rural North Central Region, Figure 2 reveals that online capabilities among rural older adults might not necessarily be an issue. In fact, older adults in this area have the highest share of those actively engaging with healthcare providers, suggesting a strong level of comfort with digital tools and services for healthcare access. Freeman et al. (2022) suggest that the use of online technologies by older people in rural areas increased as a result of forced adoption and deployment of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results might also suggest that older people in rural communities increasingly rely on the internet to access essential healthcare services. This growing reliance on digital healthcare services among older adults underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to technology and digital literacy support.
Figure 2. The digital interaction of rural respondents with healthcare providers by age categories in the North Central Region (N=1,021)
Source: NCR-Stat: Baseline Survey 2024. The dataset developed by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. Unpublished data.
While increased adoption is evident, barriers such as limited technical skills, affordability, lack of support network, and inconsistent broadband access might remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues requires healthcare providers to continue developing user-friendly healthcare platforms tailored to older populations. Chen et al. (2021) found that telehealth adoption varies by location, increasing with urbanicity, while rural hospitals are least likely to have patient engagement features such as online health information access and electronic medical data transmission. Bridging this digital divide will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of virtual healthcare and ensuring that all rural residents, regardless of age, can access essential services.
Author:
Dr. Zuzana Bednarik, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
References:
Chen, J., Amaize, A., & Barath, D. (2021). Evaluating telehealth adoption and related barriers among hospitals located in rural and urban areas. The Journal of Rural Health, 37(6), 801–811. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12534
Choi, E. Y., Kanthawala, S., Kim, Y. S., & Lee, H. Y. (2022). Urban/rural digital divide exists in older adults: Does it vary by racial/ethnic groups? Journal of Applied Gerontology, 41(5), 1348–1356. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648211073605
Correa, T., & Pavez, I. (2016). Digital inclusion in rural areas: A qualitative exploration of challenges faced by people from isolated communities. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 21(3), 247–263. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12154
Freeman, S., Marston, H. R., Ross, C., Morgan, D. J., Wilson, G., Gates, J., Kolochuk, S., & McAloney, R. (2022). Progress towards enhanced access and use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A need to be mindful of the continued digital divide for many rural and northern communities. Healthcare Management Forum, 35(5), 286–290.
Hodge, H., Carson, D., Carson, D., Newman, L., & Garrett, J. (2017). Using internet technologies in rural communities to access services: The views of older people and service providers. Journal of Rural Studies, 54, 469–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.06.016
Warren, M. (2007). The digital vicious cycle: Links between social disadvantage and digital exclusion in rural areas. Telecommunications Policy, 31(6–7), 374–388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2007.04.001
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