Culture of Data 2025

The American Telemedicine Association launched a Disparities Toolkit, which includes an online data system that generates a Digital Infrastructure Score (DIS) available via an interactive map. The composite DIS was derived through multiple regression analysis that integrates diverse datasets encompassing telehealth accessibility factors (including affordability and internet speeds) and social drivers of health (such as the social vulnerability index), along with health outcomes. The DIS provides a place-based snapshot of technology and social factors and their relation to health outcomes. The data's hierarchical geographic structure, ranging from micro-level units (zip codes) to macro-level regions (states), facilitates comparative analyses both within Colorado and across other states. The tool allows users to conduct analysis and create visualizations within the system, and the data can be exported in a variety of formats.

Digital inclusion has emerged as a “super social driver of health” that intersects with multiple health-related social needs. An expanding ecosystem of technology-enabled health platforms and tools, including patient portals, health apps, and remote monitoring devices, supports diverse aspects of health information access and healthcare delivery. The future of public health and the achievement of reducing inequities lies, to a great degree, in the use of technology. 

This session will explain the tool's data sources and development methodology, offering practical examples of its visualization features and analytical capabilities. The DIS analytical framework serves diverse stakeholders including policymakers, program directors, evaluators, educators, and community organizations. These partners can utilize the tool for identifying areas of access barriers and health disparities, implementing evidence-based programs, monitoring and evaluating intervention outcomes, developing educational resources, and guiding community health improvement initiatives.