Call for Master’s Thesis: Towards Inclusive Healthcare – Defining Diversity in Digital Health Interventions

Master thesis: Towards Inclusive Healthcare – Defining Diversity in Digital Therapeutics

Understanding and addressing diversity barriers ensure that digital therapeutics (DTx) are inclusive and effective for everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. This is important for two reasons: First, DTx can potentially improve health outcomes for diverse populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those living in underserved communities. However, these populations often face barriers to accessing and using DTx, such as limited internet access or low health literacy. Second, the lack of diversity in developing and evaluating DTx can result in biased or incomplete research findings, which may limit their generalizability and impact. Therefore, investigating diversity in DTx can help identify gaps and areas for improvement, promote equity and inclusivity in healthcare, and ultimately lead to more effective and accessible digital health solutions for diverse populations.

In the frame of this Master’s thesis, you develop a definition of diversity in the context of DTx: You will explore the various dimensions of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and socio-economic status. Therefore, the thesis could cover the following aspects: 1) Definition of diversity in digital health interventions, 2) review of existing literature on diversity in DTx, 3) analysis of different conceptualizations of diversity, and 4) development of a framework for understanding diversity in DTx.

Start: Anytime, as soon as possible.

Methodology: Scoping review

Duration: 6 months (or to be discussed)

Co-supervisors: Prof. Dr. Tobias Kowatsch

Interested students are invited to send an email with their CV and transcript of records to Tobias Kowatsch via tobias.kowatsch@unisg.ch.

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