Mapping the Landscape: A Review of Digital Health Models for Equitable Access to Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Digital health is the appropriate application of technology to enhance the health sector. With Universal Health Coverage (UHC), insufficient money is not a major hindrance to receiving the full range of high-quality healthcare services if and when needed. Strategies, models, and frameworks continue to be formulated to guide operations, as well as in the regulation of healthcare. This study provides a thorough analysis of digital health models for equitable access to UHC by highlighting key factors of these models while identifying and analyzing knowledge gaps. Considering UHC and the aspect of inclusivity as espoused in the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3), which speaks of health for all in a population, this study explores models that cover a general population and were designed with equity as a key component. The study methodology is a scoping review that uses a manual search of digital libraries and repositories, employing tailored search terms. From the results, though models exist that address equity, more work is required to formulate generalizable digital health models for equitable access to UHC, and majorly for developing economies. Moreover, it is a call to consistently adapt models that meet the target needs of a population at any given time.