Evaluating digital literacy of health professionals in Ethiopian health sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital literacy refers to the capacity to critically assess digital content, use digital tools in professional settings, and operate digital devices with proficiency. The healthcare sector has rapidly digitized in the last few decades. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the digital literacy level of health professionals in the Ethiopian health sector and identify associated factors. The study reviewed relevant literature and analyzed the data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of digital literacy among health professionals in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study was examined by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Evidence was gathered from the databases of Google Scholar, Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Hinari, CINAHL, and Global Health. Consequently, five articles met the eligible criteria for inclusion. The analysis was carried out using STATA version 11. The heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 test, while the funnel plot and Egger's regression test statistic were used to examine for potential publication bias. The pooled effect size of each trial is evaluated using a random effect model meta-analysis, which provides a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: A total of five articles were included in this meta-analysis and the overall pooled prevalence of this study was 49.85% (95% CI: 37.22-62.47). six variables, Monthly incomes AOR = 3.89 (95% CI: 1.03-14.66), computer literacy 2.93 (95% CI: 1.27-6.74), perceived usefulness 1.68 (95% CI: 1.59-4.52), educational status 2.56 (95% CI: 1.59-4.13), attitude 2.23 (95% CI: 1.49-3.35), perceived ease of use 2.22 (95% CI: 1.52-3.23) were significantly associated with the outcome variable. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study revealed that the overall digital literacy level among health professionals in Ethiopia was relatively low. The study highlights the importance of addressing the digital literacy gap among health professionals in Ethiopia. It suggests the need for targeted interventions, such as increasing monthly incomes, giving computer training, creating a positive attitude, and educational initiatives, to enhance digital literacy skills among health professionals. By improving digital literacy, health professionals can effectively utilize digital technologies and contribute to the advancement of healthcare services in Ethiopia.

Digital Literacy Training for Low-Income Older Adults Through Undergraduate Community-Engaged Learning: Single-Group Pretest-Posttest Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital technology is a social determinant of health that affects older people's ability to engage in health maintenance and disease prevention activities; connect with family and friends; and, more generally, age in place. Unfortunately, disparities in technology adoption and use exist among older adults compared with other age groups and are even greater among low-income older adults. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we described the development and implementation of a digital literacy training program designed with the dual goals of training low-income older adults in the community and teaching students about aging using a community-engaged learning (CEL) approach. METHODS: The training program was embedded within a 10-week CEL course that paired undergraduates (N=27) with low-income older adults (n=18) for 8 weeks of digital literacy training. Older adults and students met weekly at the local senior center for the training. Students also met in the classroom weekly to learn about aging and how to use design thinking to train their older adult trainees. Both older adults and students completed pre- and posttraining surveys. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated increased digital literacy skills and confidence in the use of digital technology. Loneliness did not change from pre to postassessment measurements; however, older adults showed improvements in their attitudes toward their own aging and expressed enthusiasm for the training program. Although students' fear of older adults did not change, their comfort in working with older adults increased. Importantly, older adults and students expressed positive feelings about the trainee-trainer relationship that they formed during the training program. CONCLUSIONS: A CEL approach that brings together students and low-income older adults in the community has a strong potential to reduce the digital divide experienced by underserved older adults. Additional work is needed to explore the efficacy and scalability of this approach in terms of older adults' digital literacy as well as other potential benefits to both older and younger adults.

A Sustainable Approach to Telerehabilitation in Europe: Patients Are Ready, but Caregivers Are Essential.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation. However, it remains unclear what proportion of people in need of rehabilitation can confidently use telecommunications networks and related devices. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to estimate the proportion of patients who possess either the requisite digital literacy to perform telerehabilitation independently or have a family caregiver capable of providing effective support. METHODS: Synthetic populations with a realistic kinship network (i.e. family trees) representative of European countries are built. Age, sex, and location-specific prevalence rates of rehabilitation needs and digital skills are combined to estimate the percentage of digitally literate patients and patients with digitally literate relatives. RESULTS: In Europe, 86% of people in need of rehabilitation are potentially eligible for telerehabilitation. However, in four out of five cases, eligible patients over the age of 65 require caregiver support. CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation has the potential to spread in Europe. Caregivers have an essential social role in ensuring sustainable access to telerehabilitation.

La integración de la inteligencia artificial en la educación médica y su impacto en la práctica clínica / The integration of artificial intelligence in medical education and its impact on clinical practice

Introducción: La integración de la inteligencia artificial (IA) en la educación médica redefine paradigmas, optimiza méto-dos y forja una simbiosis tecnológica. Desarrollo: La IA potencia simulaciones clínicas, mejora evaluaciones y desarrolla habilidades blandas, redefiniendo lainteracción médico-paciente. Conclusiones: Aunque persisten desafíos éticos, la colaboración interdisciplinaria y la adaptabilidad son cruciales. La IA marca un hito en la evolución médica al elevar la calidad asistencial y establecer estándares para una colaboración armoniosa entre tecnología y compasión.(AU)

Introduction: The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education redefines paradigms, optimisesmethods and forges a technological symbiosis. Development: AI enhances clinical simulations, improves assessments and develops soft skills, thereby redefining doctor-patient interaction. Conclusions: Although ethical challenges remain, interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptability are crucial. AI marks a milestone in the evolution of medicine by raising the quality of care and setting standards for harmonious collaboration between technology and compassion.(AU)

Evaluation of a web-based intervention to optimize perinatal emotional wellbeing: A nested case-control study / Evaluación de una intervención basada en la web para optimizar el bienestar emocional perinatal: un estudio de casos y controles anidado

Background/Objective: WazzUp Mama© is a remotely delivered web-based tailored intervention to prevent and reduce perinatal emotional distress, originally developed in the Netherlands. The current study aimed to evaluate the adapted WazzUp Mama© intervention in a Flemish (Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) perinatal population. Methods: A 1:3 nested case-control study was performed. A data set including 676 participants (169 cases/507 controls) was composed based on core characteristics. Using independent t-test and chi-square, the two groups were compared for mean depression, self and perceived stigma, depression literacy scores, and for positive Whooley items and heightened depression scores. The primary analysis was adjusted for covariates. Results: The number of positive Whooley items, the above cut-off depression scores, mean depression, perceived stigma, and depression literacy scores showed statistically significant differences between cases and controls, in favor of the intervention group. When adjusting for the covariates, the statistically significant differences between cases and controls remained for depression, perceived stigma, and depression literacy, for the positive Whooley items and for above cut-off depression scores. Conclusion: WazzUp Mama© indicates to have a moderate to large positive effect on optimizing perinatal emotional wellbeing, to positively change perceived stigma and to increase depression literacy.(AU)

Evaluating Health Care Professionals' Readiness for e-Health Adoption in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Georgian Perspective.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Electronic health (e-Health), leveraging technologies such as telemedicine, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, and patient engagement platforms. This transformation underscores e-Health's role in providing efficient, patient-centered care. Our study explores health care professionals' readiness for these technologies, emphasizing the need for tailored education in this evolving landscape. Methods: In our study, conducted between February and March 2023, we administered a questionnaire-based survey to 500 staff members (82.4% female, 17.6% male) aged 25-70 from medical universities in Tbilisi, Georgia. The structured questionnaire covered topics such as computer literacy, telemedicine awareness, patient data security, and ethical considerations. We employed SPSS v21.0 for data analysis, encompassing descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Results: Our study included 500 participants categorized into five age groups. Notably, 31% considered themselves computer "experts," while 69% rated their skills as "intermediate" or "advanced." Furthermore, 85% used computers professionally, with 33% having practical computer training. Interestingly, 59% expressed interest in information technology training. Regarding e-Health, 15% believed it involves remote communication between health care professionals and patients, while 42% considered it "correct," and 37% "might be correct." Concerning its application in managing patients, opinions varied. In terms of e-Health's integration into Georgia's health care, responses ranged. Regarding patient data safety, participants exhibited diverse views. Finally, opinions on the necessity of informed consent for e-Health applications varied among participants. Conclusions: Our study explores health care professionals' readiness for e-Health adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reveals varying computer literacy levels, a willingness to learn, differing views on e-Health applications, and mixed opinions on its integration into Georgian health care. These findings emphasize the need for clear e-Health terminology, education, tailored approaches, and a focus on data privacy and informed consent. Overall, e-Health's transformative role in modern health care is underscored.

Virus y metáforas zombi: la universidad en la era del capitalismo digital / Virus and metaphors zombie

Desde la última década del Siglo XX y en particular desde la primera década del siglo XXI se ha venido consolidando una digitalización hipertextual de los datos, así como de la producción y gestión de conocimiento. Si bien ello precede a la pandemia global del COVID-19, ésta aceleró significativamente su naturalización. En armonía con este orden de cosas, se ha configurado una transformación radical del hacer universitario que lo ha posicionado como un auxiliar estratégico del Capitalismo Cognitivo. Este ensayo busca reflexionar sobre sus efectos y sobre el proceso de centralización que lo caracteriza

Since the last decade of the 20th century, and in particular since the first decade of the 21st century, a hypertextual digitization of data has been consolidating, as well as of the production and management of knowledge. While this predates the global COVID 19 pandemic, she significantly accelerated her naturalization. In harmony with this order of things, a radical transformation of university work has been configured that has positioned it as a strategic auxiliary of Cognitive Capitalism. This essay seeks to reflect on its effects and on the centralization process that characterizes it

How does digital life influence the health service use among rural residents? Evidence from China.

BACKGROUND: The Healthy China strategy is an important development objective of the 14th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035 in China, while health service use in rural China has been a weak link in this strategy. OBJECTIVE: Nowadays, people's health service use will be influenced by digital technology due to the arrival of the Digital Age, and that is the reason why our interest is to discuss the effect of digital life on health service use among rural residents. METHODS: We use the data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2020 to examine the effect of digital life on health service use among rural residents, and we use Instrumental Variables method to control the endogenous problem and use KHB model to discuss the mechanism of this effect. RESULTS: It was found that digital life has increased the health service use among rural residents significantly, and this result has been verified by robust test and Instrumental Variables method. Besides, digital life can increase health service use through the information channel effect and the health literacy effect indirectly. Moreover, digital life has a more significant impact on the residents with low social capital, low physical capital and low social trust, which represents the inclusivity of digital life. CONCLUSION: The results of our paper will be helpful to examine the effect of the digital policy on promoting the health service use in rural China, and our findings will provide evidence of how to use digital life to enhance health service use among rural residents. Based on this, the government should take measures to eliminate the digital divide between urban and rural areas by promoting the level of digital life among rural residents, paying more attention to the digital literacy development among them, and forging ahead toward the great goal of the Healthy China under the Digital Age.

Efficacy and efficiency of information retrieval of community family physicians at the point of care: exploring the associations with information and computer literacy.

Objective: This study aimed to measure the association between the efficacy/efficiency of digital information retrieval among community family physicians at the point of care and information and computer literacy. Methods: This study is a part of a cross-sectional anonymous online survey-based study among community family physicians who reported no affiliation with an academic institution in eight Arab countries. Results: A total of 72 physicians were included. The mean total score for the information literacy scale was 59.8 out of 91 (SD = 11.4). The mean score was 29.3 (SD = 5.6) out of 55 on the computer literacy scale. A one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant association between information literacy and information retrieval efficacy (F (2,69) = 4.466, p = 0.015) and efficiency of information retrieval (F (2.69) = 4.563, p = 0.014). Computer literacy was not associated with information retrieval efficacy or efficiency. Conclusion: The information and computer literacy scores of community family physicians in eight Arab countries are average. Information literacy, rather than computer literacy, is positively associated with the efficacy and efficiency of information retrieval at the point of care. There is room for improvement in evidence-based medicine curricula and continuous professional development to improve information literacy for better information retrieval and patient care.

Metodología 'SLIDE-4-U' para implicar al alumnado en el desarrollo de la clase presencial / How to involve students in the development of the face-to-face class: the 'SLIDE-4-U' methodology

Introducción: Desde hace unos años, tanto en grupos grandes como pequeños, y principalmente en clases en línea, se hapuesto en práctica la metodología ‘SLIDE-4-U’ o ‘una diapositiva para ti’ (2020PID-UB/023), con el objetivo de implicar alestudiante en su propio proceso de aprendizaje y en el de sus compañeros. Se consiguió mediante la participación delalumnado en la explicación en clase de diapositivas específicamente diseñadas para este fin. Métodos: La experiencia se llevó a cabo en el primer semestre del curso 2021-22 en la asignatura Nutrición Molecular delgrado de Nutrición Humana y Dietética (Universitat de Barcelona). Se preparó una sesión de seminario presencial centrada en inmunonutrición. El profesor dirigió la sesión seleccionando de forma aleatoria al estudiante, que debía explicar ladiapositiva sin preparación previa. Las explicaciones del alumnado fueron complementadas o corregidas por el profesordurante el desarrollo de la actividad. Al final del seminario se realizó una encuesta de opinión en la que se constató labuena aceptación de esta iniciativa (puntuaciones medias superiores a 4,2 sobre 5). Resultados: El alumnado consideró que era un reto explicar una diapositiva sin prepararla previamente y que este hecho,asociado a no saber quién haría la explicación, había provocado un cierto clima de nerviosismo. Ahora bien, la mayoríaestaba de acuerdo en que los esquemas/imágenes aportados fueron suficientes para poder desarrollar la actividad y quelas explicaciones hechas por los compañeros eran suficientemente correctas. Asimismo, también valoraban positivamente la participación del profesor a la hora de completar las explicaciones de sus compañeros. En general, la metodologíautilizada hizo que el alumnado fuera más consciente de que las diapositivas tienen una estructura y un objetivo, y de ladificultad de comunicar correctamente...(AU)

Introduction: Lately, both in large and small groups and mainly in online classes, the 'SLIDE-4-U' or 'one slide for you' methodology (2020PID-UB/023) has been put into practice, with the aim of involving the student in their own learning process and that of their classmates. It is achieved through the participation of the students in the explanation of slides in class, specially designed for this purpose. Methods: The experience was carried out in the first semester of the 2021-22 academic year in the subject Molecular Nutrition of the Human Nutrition and Dietetics degree (Universitat de Barcelona). A face-to-face seminar session focused on immunonutrition was prepared with this type of material. The teacher led the session by randomly selecting the student, who had to explain the slide without prior preparation. The explanations of the students were complemented and/or corrected by the teacher, during the development of the activity. At the end of the seminar, an opinion survey was carried out in which the good acceptance of this initiative was verified (average scores higher than 4.2 out of 5). Results: The students considered that it was a challenge to explain a slide without previously preparing it, and that this fact, associated with not knowing who would do the explanation, had caused a certain climate of nervousness. However, the majority agreed that the diagrams/images provided were sufficient to be able to carry out the activity and that the explanations made by the classmates were correct enough. Likewise, they also positively valued the teacher's participation when completing the explanations of their classmates. In general, the methodology used made the students more aware that the slides have a structure and an objective, and of the difficulty of communicating correctly...(AU)

Evaluación del efecto Dunning-Kruger en relación a la vacunación: un estudio de los mensajesen la red social LinkedIn / Evaluation of the Dunning Kruger effect in relation to vaccination: a study of messages on the social network LinkedIn

FUNDAMENTOS: El efecto Dunning-Kruger hace referencia a un exceso de confianza respecto a las propias habilidades y conoci-mientos. Es este un sesgo cognitivo por el cual las personas con poca preparación, habilidad o conocimientos tienden a sobrestimarestos factores. La confianza lleva a transmitir la información de una manera asertiva, independientemente de la validez o veracidadde esta. En el contexto de la pandemia por la COVID-19 se han publicado gran cantidad de opiniones sin base científica en redes socia-les, ajenas a la información científica y de los expertos, pero de gran impacto en la opinión pública. Este estudio evaluó la existenciadel efecto Dunning-Kruger en los mensajes relacionados con la vacunación frente a la COVID-19 enLinkedIn. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron 448 mensajes y se relacionaron los conocimientos y formación sobre el tema de los autores. En el trata-miento estadístico se procedió a realizar el test de Chi cuadrado para determinar si existe una asociación significativa entre las varia-bles, estableciendo el nivel de significancia en P<0,05. Estos procedimientos se llevaron a cabo utilizando software estadísticoSPSS. RESULTADOS: De los 448 mensajes, 153 reflejaron muy alta certeza, 115 certeza media, 107 certeza baja y 73 reflejaron dudas. Elgrupo que porcentualmente emitió más mensajes con certeza absoluta (41,8%) fue el de conocimientos mínimos sobre la COVID-19. De este grupo sin conocimiento en el tema solo el 7,1% expresaba mensajes sin manifestar certeza. El grupo con conocimientos muyelevados sobre el tema fue más propenso a reflejar incertidumbre, comunicando el 15,7% de los mensajes con certeza absoluta y el37,1% con certeza nula. CONCLUSIONES: Se obtiene que aquellas personas con menores conocimientos expresan de forma más asertiva sus mensajesy presentan en sus discursos menor aceptación de la vacuna para la COVID-19. Se demuestra la presencia del efecto...(AU)

BACKGROUND: The Dunning-Kruger effect refers to an excess of confidence regarding one’s abilities and knowledge; trust leads totransmitting information in an assertive manner, regardless of its validity or veracity, of experts, but of great impact on public opinion. This study evaluated the existence of the Dunning-Kruger effect in messages related to vaccination against COVID-19 onLinkedIn. METHODS: 448 messages were evaluated and the authors’ knowledge and training on the subject were related. In the statisticaltreatment, the Chi-square test was performed to determine if there is a significant association between the variables, establishing thelevel of significance at P<0.05. These procedures were carried out usingSPSS statistical software. RESULTS: 448 messages were analyzed. Of these, 153 reflected very high certainty, 115 medium certainty, 107 low certainty and 73reflected doubts. The group that issued the most messages with absolute certainty (41.8%) was the group with minimal knowledgeabout COVID-19. Of this group without knowledge on the subject, only 7.1% expressed messages without expressing certainty. Thegroup with very high knowledge on the subject was more likely to reflect uncertainty, communicating 15.7% of the messages withabsolute certainty and 37.1% with zero certainty. CONCLUSIONS: It is obtained that those people with less knowledge express their messages more assertively and present less acceptan-ce of the COVID-19 vaccine in their speeches. The presence of the Dunning-Kruger effect in relation to COVID-19 vaccination is demonstrated.(AU)

Felicidad / Felicidade / Happiness

The purpose of this editorial is to reflect, as micro-story, on the spaces where we seek happiness in our culture immersed in the digital age.(AU)

El propósito de esta editorial es reflexionar, en forma de micro-relato, sobre los espaciosdonde buscamos la felicidad en nuestra cultura sumergida en la era digital.(AU)

O objetivo deste editorial é refletir, sob a forma de uma micro-história, sobre os espaçosonde procuramos a felicidade na nossa cultura imersa na era digital

Digital literacy level and associated factors among health professionals in a referral and teaching hospital: An implication for future digital health systems implementation.

Background: In Ethiopia and other developing countries, electronic medical record systems and other health information technology are being introduced. However, a small proportion of low-income countries have successfully implemented national health information systems. One cause for this can be the lack of digital literacy among medical practitioners. As a result, this study aimed to assess health professionals' digital literacy level and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was employed among 423 health professionals working in a teaching and referral hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. We modified and applied the European commission's framework for digital competency to assess the level of digital literacy among health professionals. We used stratified random sampling with proportional allocation to the size of the departments in the hospital to select study participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered, and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis techniques were used to describe respondents' digital literacy level and identify its associated factor, respectively. The odds ratio with 95% CI and value of p were used to assess the strength of the association and statistical significance, respectively. Results: Out of 411 participants, 51.8% (95% CI, 46.9-56.6%) of health professionals had adequate digital literacy. Holding a master's degree (Adjusted OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.18-3.85), access to digital technology (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12-3.17), having training in digital technology (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.59), and having a positive attitude towards digital health technology (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02-2.68) were found to be significant factors associated with health professionals digital literacy level of health professionals. Conclusion: Low level of digital literacy among health professionals was observed, with nearly half (48.2%) of them having poor digital literacy levels. Access to digital technology, training on digital technology, and attitude toward digital health technology were significant factors associated with digital literacy. It is suggested to increase computer accessibility, provide a training program on digital health technology, and promote a positive attitude toward this technology to improve the deployment of health information systems.

Bienes públicos digitales / digital public goods

Uno de los ocho principios rectores de la transformación digital del sector de la salud promovidos por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud es el de los bienes públicos digitales. Esta sinopsis de políticas presenta conceptos clave, líneas de acción recomendadas e indicadores para su monitoreo con el objetivo de avanzar en la creación de bienes públicos digitales. De acuerdo con la definición de la OPS, este principio se propone cocrear bienes de salud pública digitales por un mundo más equitativo. "Los bienes públicos digitales, para fortalecer la salud y el bienestar de la población mundial, deben incluir software de código abierto, normas, algoritmos, datos, aplicaciones y contenidos diseñados con la arquitectura y el licenciamiento adecuados. Estos atributos deben permitir escalarlos en poblaciones y contextos diversos, además de aplicar las adaptaciones locales que proceda. Siempre primarán la responsabilidad y la sostenibilidad, pensando en un diseño centrado en el usuario, especialmente en poblaciones vulnerables con necesidades especiales en materia de tecnología y alfabetización digital". La transformación digital en el sector salud tiene como principal objetivo el acceso universal a la atención en salud, y para ello es necesario acceder y contar, entre otras cosas, con software y estándares que permitan la mejor captura y comunicación de la información clínica, con datos y contenidos de calidad y compartidos que garanticen la mejor atención en salud, la gestión sanitaria y la toma de decisiones. Esta transformación digital en salud debe anclarse en un entramado constituido por acuerdos de la comunidad internacional, estrategias integrales, legislación que la acompañe y en políticas públicas nacionales

Estrategia de superación profesional para potenciar la cultura informacional del docente universitario con el uso de herramientas infotecnológicas / Professional development strategy for the improvement of the information culture of university teachers through the use of information technology tools

Fundamento:La cultura informacional en las universidades desarrolla en los docentes universitarios buenas prácticas educativas con el uso de la información mediante herramientas infotecnológicas.Objetivo:Proponer una estrategia de superación profesional para potenciar la cultura informacional del docente universitario, con el uso de herramientas infotecnológicas.Metodología:Investigación pedagógica realizada en la universidad de Sancti Spíritus “José Martí Pérez” durante el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre el año 2020 y el 2021. Se utilizó el método histórico lógico y el inductivo deductivo para determinar los fundamentos teóricos y metodológicos que sustentan la cultura informacional en el proceso de superación profesional. La modelación, además de permitir estructurar la estrategia que se propone; permitió determinar los objetivos, etapas y la selección de las formas organizativas de las acciones propuestas. El criterio de expertos para evaluar la pertinencia de la propuesta mediante la comparación por pares.Resultados:Una estrategia de superación profesional estructurada en 4 etapas (diagnóstico, planeación estratégica, instrumentación, evaluación), que sustentada en el uso de herramientas infotecnológicas se orienta a potenciar la cultura informacional del docente universitario.Conclusiones:La estrategia de superación profesional propuesta resulta viable para potenciar la cultura informacional del docente universitario; la misma tiene una adecuada correspondencia entre sus etapas y acciones, los fundamentos y exigencias pedagógicas.[AU]

The role of digital literacy in achieving health equity in the third millennium society: A literature review.

Healthcare in the third millennium is largely delivered through systems involving the use of the technological devices and services, foremost among them telemedicine. For the adequate delivery of digital medicine services, however, it is necessary for users to be digitally literate, that is, able to consciously make use of technology. In order to understand how relevant digital literacy is in determining the effectiveness of e-Health services, we performed a traditional literature review on 3 major databases by combining the terms "Digital Literacy" and "Computer Literacy" with the terms "Telemedicine" and "Telehealth". Starting from an initial library of 1,077 papers, we selected 38 articles. At the outcome of the search, we found that digital literacy is a pivotal element in conditioning the effectiveness of telemedicine and digital medicine services in general, however, with some limitations.

Salud digital inclusiva / inclusive digital health

Uno de los ocho principios rectores para la transformación digital del sector de la salud promovidos por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud es la salud digital inclusiva. Esta sinopsis de políticas presenta conceptos clave, líneas de acción recomendadas e indicadores para su monitoreo con el objetivo de avanzar en materia de salud digital inclusiva. De acuerdo con la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), es fundamental acelerar el progreso hacia una salud digital inclusiva con énfasis en las personas en mayor situación de vulnerabilidad. No dejar a nadie atrás en la era digital requiere no solo llegar a las poblaciones en situación de mayor vulnerabilidad social, económica, geográfica o cultural, sino también a las personas y grupos poblacionales que carecen de alfabetización digital y de conexión. Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) tienen el potencial de reducir las desigualdades en la salud, al permitir que las personas accedan a información y herramientas digitales de prevención y cuidado en el momento justo y el formato adecuado. La inclusión digital implica acceso apropiado, habilidades digitales y aspectos de usabilidad y navegabilidad en el desarrollo de soluciones tecnológicas. Todo ello debe alentar la inclusión, pero sin dejar de respetar la autonomía de las personas y poblaciones que decidan no utilizar los servicios digitales. El propósito de esta estrategia es mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones y la formulación de políticas basadas en datos que contemplen las inequidades en la salud y avancen hacia el objetivo de la cobertura universal de salud y el acceso universal a la salud

La salud y sus determinantes en adultos mayores durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Health and its determinants in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: La epidemia de COVID-19 ha sobrecargado los servicios de salud, por lo que los grupos de mayor edad pueden ser más vulnerables a los determinantes de la salud asociados con la pandemia de COVID-19. Objetivo: Analizar la salud y sus determinantes en adultos mayores durante el período de pandemia de COVID-19 en un área mediterránea. Metodología: Estudio observacional transversal realizado en un área mediterránea, España. Participantes:En total fueron 158 pacientes, de los que 40 tenían COVID-19, y 118 con otras patologías no COVID-19. Criterios de inclusión:Personas mayores de 60 años que acudieron al área básica de salud de estudio durante la pandemia de COVID-19 del 23 de febrero de 2021 al 15 de mayo de 2021. Se utilizó entrevista semiestructurada validada. Resultados: Las edades oscilaron entre 60 y 94 años con una media de edad (DE 77,297). Se observó una mayor comorbilidad en ambos grupos en hombres, así como un mayor hábito tabáquico. Con respecto a la variable vivir en pareja, se observó una asociación significativa en ambos grupos y por sexo (p < 0,009). En cuanto al uso de nuevas tecnologías, no se observó significación y los valores obtenidos fueron muy bajos, tanto en pacientes con COVID-19 como sin COVID-19. Conclusión: Parece necesario sensibilizar a las instituciones y animar a las familias, organizaciones de voluntariado y proyectos comunitarios a apoyar y comunicarse con las personas de esta franja etaria en contextos de pandemia. A su vez, se debe implementar e incentivar el uso de los recursos sociales para mejorar la asistencia y atención a las personas mayores para prevenir los efectos negativos de la pandemia relacionados con el aislamiento social (AU)

Introduction: The COVID-19 epidemic has overburdened health services, so older age groups may be more vulnerable to the determinants of health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To analyse health and its determinants in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period in a Mediterranean area. Methodology: Observational cross-sectional study carried out in in a Mediterranean area, Spain. Participants: 158, COVID-19 patients (n = 40) and patients with other non-COVID-19 pathologies (n = 118). Inclusion criteria: People over 60 years of age who were seen in the basic health area of study during the COVID-19 pandemic from 23 February 2021 to 15 May 2021. A validated semi-structured interview was used. Results: Ages ranged from 60 to 94 years with a mean age (SD 77.297). A greater comorbidity was observed in both groups in men, as well as a greater smoking habit. With respect to the variable of living with a partner, a significant association was observed in both groups and by sex (p < 0.009). With regard to the use of new technologies, no significance was observed and the values obtained were very low in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion:It seems necessary to raise awareness among institutions and to encourage families, voluntary organizations and community projects to support and communicate with people in this age group in pandemic contexts. In turn, the use of social resources should be implemented and encouraged to improve assistance and care for the elderly to prevent the negative effects of the pandemic related to social isolation (AU)