Strategies to improve telehealth access for culturally and linguistically diverse communities: a systematic review.

Abstract

Aims: CaLD populations face considerable digital health inequities; strategies are needed to ensure telehealth models of care are available to all. We aimed to identify and describe interventions that enhance telehealth access for CaLD communities.

Methods: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL). Included studies were published between 2011 and 2024 and reported on at least one of the outcomes described in the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework. Two authors independently screened articles, solutions were synthesized qualitatively.

Results: Twenty-seven articles were included in the review and primarily used videoconferencing as the predominant telehealth modality (n = 14, 52%). Five strategies were identified to promote telehealth use across CaLD communities including: (i) Provide bilingual options; (ii) Enhance staff cultural competence; (iii) Provide flexible adaptions to align with consumer needs; (iv) Supply technology and technological support; and (v) Involve digital health navigators and/or health educators.

Conclusions: Culturally competent professionals supported by language services and technological support are strategies which can help improve equity of access to telehealth services for people from CaLD communities. Such strategies can support the implementation of practical solutions to overcome health inequities and prevent access gaps.