Empowering Patients Through Digital Health Literacy and Access to Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in the Developing World

Abstract

This editorial discusses the transformative potential of digital health literacy and the critical role of electronic medical records (EMRs) in promoting patient empowerment in the healthcare landscape of developing countries. It examines the impact of digital media in healthcare, noting its ability to both democratize access to information and services and pose risks of misinformation among populations with limited health literacy. The discussion includes an overview of key literacy components critical for effectively navigating the digital healthcare ecosystem. Our article highlights the critical role of EMR in facilitating a patient-centered care (PCC) model, with a special emphasis on making EMR systems accessible and user-friendly for vulnerable groups in developing countries. The core aim of our study is twofold: First, it sheds light on the significant challenges - be they technical, financial, or infrastructural - that obstruct the adoption of sophisticated EMR systems in these areas. Second, it explores the essential aspect of digital health literacy, advocating for its improvement as a vital step toward enabling patients to effectively engage with their medical records. By addressing these key issues, our study seeks to illustrate how enhancing digital health literacy, alongside increasing the accessibility of EMR systems, can empower patients in the developing world to actively participate in their healthcare processes. This dual focus aims to contribute to the broader discourse on improving healthcare outcomes through more inclusive and patient-centered approaches, particularly in settings that are currently underserved by modern healthcare technologies. In conclusion, the editorial advocates for a concerted effort toward creating a more inclusive and empowered healthcare paradigm. It suggests integrating PCC principles, tailoring EMR systems to diverse needs, and enhancing digital health literacy as strategies to harness digital health innovations for better healthcare outcomes and equity. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing investment in education, technology, and policy to fully leverage digital health solutions in the developing world.

Keywords: developing nation; digital health literacy; emr; emr adoption barriers; healthcare transition.

Figure 1. The conceptual lily model of digital health literacy

Norman and Skinner's model, depicting the six components essential for digital health literacy: traditional literacy, media literacy, science literacy, information literacy, computer literacy, and health literacy [1].