A conceptual framework and umbrella review of digital health technology interventions and health equity

Abstract: 

"Evidence on digital health technology interventions is rapidly emerging, but how health equity has been addressed remains uncertain. This study presents a conceptual framework for mapping this evidence and conducts an umbrella review aimed at narratively summarizing published systematic reviews on the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these interventions. Systematic reviews were searched in electronic databases from 2005 until March 4, 2025. Information on study characteristics, digital health technologies, and health equity considerations was extracted. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Thirty-five studies met the eligibility criteria. The most prevalent intervention group was telemedicine, while clinical decision support systems were not the focus of any of the included studies. The systematic reviews varied markedly in quality, with most being equity-focused and addressing more than one dimension of horizontal inequality. Future studies should conduct equity-focused meta-analyses for specific interventions, health outcomes, and decision-making contexts."

Candio, P. and Ooms, T., A conceptual framework and umbrella review of digital health technology interventions and health equity, BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, 26, 1, 2026, BMC, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.1186/s12913-025-13696-4, JRC144224.