Why some people distrust digital health
People who have experienced stigma and discrimination in health care settings are more likely to distrust digital health services, a new UNSW study says.
The report surveyed more than 2000 people across Australia from April – June 2020, including 600 people classified as members of one or more populations affected by blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
People with HIV, trans and gender diverse people, sex workers, and gay and bisexual men reported the lowest levels of trust in digital health care services, such as My Health Record, and the most frequent experiences of stigma.
While these groups reported better knowledge of My Health Record than the general population, they were much more likely to report opting out.
“These communities are highly engaged, well informed and notably reluctant to put their trust in some aspects of digital health,” says Associate Professor Christy Newman, one of the lead investigators from the study.
“This suggests that an understanding of the potential benefits of digital systems like My Health Record did not overcome the doubts that these communities considered when opting out.
“More meaningful consultation with affected communities and the peer-based organisations that have their trust is required to ensure that communities affected by stigma and discrimination are not left behind when it comes to digital health.”
Do you trust digital health services? Have you opted out of My Health Record? Why or why not?
It is not surprising. The issues are about privacy and confidentiality and who has access to the data. If these have been breached in the past (indicating stigma and discrimination) then why would people trust the 'system'.
Having said that, people are already giving away their health data for free to corporate conglomerates such as Amazon, Google, Apple etc with their wearable fitness devices. And yet that seems 'acceptable' to many!