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Abstract
Mobile health, or mHealth, is the implementation of digital health services with mobile
and wearable devices, and has ample potential to enhance self-management of chronic
conditions, especially cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., blood pressure control and
supporting tobacco cessation and physical activity). It remains ambiguous, however,
whether such technologies can improve cardiovascular outcomes. More importantly, mHealth
carries the additional challenge of digital health literacy, which demands particular
skills complementary to general and health literacy. Populations at risk for limited
health literacy are similarly vulnerable to having challenges with digital health
literacy. We identify such challenges and outline solutions to improve access to digital
health services and their use for individuals with limited digital health literacy.
We present an 18-point “Digital Universal Precautions” as a mandate for health care
organizations committed towards addressing and facilitating eHealth literacy. As health
care institutions increasingly advance mHealth through delivery of on-line material
and patient portals, they face the challenge of ensuring that digital health services
and content are available to all patients.