Assessing the Role of Digital Literacy in Accessing and Utilising Virtual Healthcare Services: A Systematic Review Protocol

J Eval Clin Pract. 2025 Feb;31(1):e14245. doi: 10.1111/jep.14245.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE: Emerging digital technologies are accelerating the transition of healthcare services from traditional in-person settings to virtual platforms. As a result, digital literacy is becoming essential for individuals to effectively engage with these services. However, inadequate digital literacy poses a significant barrier to both accessing and utilising virtual healthcare, potentially widening existing health disparities.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This protocol outlines the approach for systematically reviewing and synthesising the existing literature on the influence of digital literacy on accessing and utilising virtual healthcare services.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across five databases: Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, CINAHL and IEEE Xplore, covering publications from 2014 to 2024. The review will include all age cohorts and demographics, focusing on studies that examine digital literacy and measures of access to and utilisation of virtual healthcare services. Two independent reviewers will screen studies using pre-determined search strategies for inclusion.

CONCLUSION: Findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the challenges and facilitators of digital literacy in engaging with virtual healthcare services. This review will also offer evidence-based recommendations to optimise digital health interventions and promote inclusive, equitable healthcare delivery.

PMID:39564975 | DOI:10.1111/jep.14245