Article Feature: Q&A: ‘Inclusive design’ needed if technology is to improve, not worsen, health disparities

Congratulations to our Chief Equity Officer and Co-Founder, Dr. Aubrey J. Grant, for being featured in an interview by Cardiology Today entitled “Q&A: ‘Inclusive design’ needed if technology is to improve, not worsen, health disparities”. The interview was published after Dr. Aubrey J. Grant’s attendance as a panelist at HRX 2024, The Heart Rhythm Society’s annual digital health experience conference for innovators in cardiovascular health. 

In the interview, Dr. Grant discusses concerns about technology in healthcare and how to address these concerns in the development of digital health wearables and programming. He also shares potential solutions to ensure digital health is used equitably and carefully, avoiding inaccurate or harmful outcomes.

When asked about potential solutions to health equity challenges in the new era of technology, Dr. Grant shared that “A core solution is ensuring diversity in the data used to develop AI, wearables and other technologies. Stakeholders should prioritize inclusive design by incorporating input from racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations. Collaboration with community leaders and leveraging social determinants of health in tech design can also bridge gaps. Finally, establishing regulatory standards for fairness in technology will promote equity and ensure that advancements improve care for all” (Swain & Grant, 2024).

Dr. Grant emphasizes that all technology used in healthcare should promote health equity, focusing on not only the needs of more privileged populations, but underserved communities as well. He explained that, “The integration of technology into health care is inevitable, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that these tools uplift all populations, not just the privileged. We have a unique opportunity in this era of rapid innovation to address long-standing disparities and create a more equitable health care system. It requires a concerted effort, from engineers to policymakers, to ensure technology promotes health equity” (Swain & Grant, 2024).

Make sure to read the full article here: https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20240925/qa-inclusive-design-needed-if-technology-is-to-improve-not-worsen-health-disparities

References

Grant, A. J., & Swain, E. (2024, September 25). Q&A: ‘Inclusive design’ needed if technology is to improve, not worsen, health disparities. Cardiology Today; Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/cardiology/20240925/qa-inclusive-design-needed-if-technology-is-to-improve-not-worsen-health-disparities