The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has issued a Request for Information on how technology and innovation have been used to address barriers to care and health equity.
In a Request for Information posted in the Federal Register, the OSTP has asked for input from community health stakeholders, technology developers, and other interested parties about how digital health technologies are used, or could be used in the future, to transform community health, individual wellness, and health equity.
A spokesperson for OSTP said: “We are particularly interested in information from community-based health settings and about populations traditionally underserved by healthcare.
“To support this effort, OSTP seeks information about successful models of strengthening community health through digital health technologies within the United States and abroad, barriers to uptake, trends from the COVID-19 pandemic, how user experience is measured, need for tools and training, ideas for potential government action, and effects on health equity.
“In particular, OSTP is interested in input from community health workers (CHWs) and CHW organizations of all kinds, including social workers, maternal health workers, telehealth navigators, peer recovery specialists and healthcare providers.
“As well as faith and community-based organisations, community health centres, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
“And academic researchers, technology developers, global partners, health insurance providers and individuals who have used, or are interested in using, digital health technologies or telehealth services.”
The request is part of an initiative led by OSTP dedicated to Community Connected Health.
The initiative will explore and act upon how innovation in science and technology can lower the barriers for all Americans to accessing quality healthcare and lead healthier lives by meeting people where they are in their communities.
Interested individuals and organizations should submit comments electronically to [email protected] and include ‘‘Connected Health RFI’’ in the subject line of the email.
The comments will be published in the Federal Register on March 1 2022.
Due to time constraints, mailed paper submissions will not be accepted, and electronic submissions received after the deadline cannot be ensured to be incorporated or taken into consideration.
