Diversity in Digital Stroke Care

By Office of the President | Feb 6, 2024

Stroke care is a critical area of concern in public health that affects millions of individuals globally. Health disparities in this area persist, particularly among minority communities. Black and Latinx populations in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of stroke-related health problems, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to address these disparities.

A diverse team of researchers from various academic backgrounds conducted an interprofessional scoping review published in BMC Public Health. The study examined the use of digital health interventions in stroke care, with a specific focus on Black and Latinx populations. The research revealed promising results and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex healthcare challenges. The team conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses, concluding that digital health interventions, particularly those targeting blood pressure management and medication adherence, hold great potential for improving stroke care through remote monitoring, timely interventions, and education.

The research team’s comprehensive review revealed a notable absence of evidence regarding the effectiveness and suitability of digital health interventions for historically underrepresented groups, especially Black and Latinx communities. This gap implies that not everyone may have equal access to the benefits of digital health interventions, potentially worsening existing health disparities. To combat this, the research team underscores the significance of involving underrepresented populations in digital health intervention studies. Their advocacy seeks to advance the field of digital health and promote health equity by ensuring that innovative solutions are customized to meet the diverse needs of communities.

The team is made up of a diverse group of experts and scholars from the School of Public Health, College of Medicine, and School of Health Professions/Health Informatics Program. They include DrPH students, Bianca D. Rivera and Claire Nurse, Community Health Sciences associate professor Aimee Afable, Ph.D., MPH, fourth-year student Vivek Shah, alumna Chastidy Roldan, and Neurology and Emergency Medicine distinguished professor Steven R. Levine, M.D. Additionally, contributors from the School of Health Professions/Health Informatics Program include program chair and associate professor Mohammad Faysel, Ph.D., clinical associate professor David Kaufman, Ph.D., and assistant professor Adiebonye E. Jumbo, Ph.D.

The complete study, Do Digital Health Interventions Hold Promise for Stroke Prevention in Black and LatinX populations in the United States? can be accessed here.