Addressing eHealth literacy and the digital divide: Access, affordability and awareness

EDITOR'S SUMMARY The Internet is beyond the reach of about six percent of Americans, limiting their access to general information and communications and to health information in particular. Eight of 10 Internet users look online for a range of health‐related information to understand medical conditions and treatments, access care providers and learn about insurance. Consumers, the federal government, the business community and access providers all have a stake in eHealth information access. The government has promoted awareness and understanding of health issues and provided funding for broadband and wireless telecommunications infrastructure. Businesses rely on consumers to make use of health information, and several major telecom firms have provided hardware and training to enable eHealth endeavors. Efforts must address basic Internet connectivity and user costs and awareness, obstacles that undermine availability of important health information to consumers.