MSc Dissertation Report

Abstract

The present study assesses how Big Data technology has affected healthcare with regard to telemedicine and demographic disparities among Medicare beneficiaries. This research has discovered large demographic variations in the use of telehealth across many demographic variables, alluding to the fact that it is oriented toward women, urban residents, and non-Hispanic whites more than their counterparts. It is demographic insight that allows one to understand the need for targeted interventions to close the gap in telehealth access and use. Among the important recommendations based on the findings are those that aim at improving the enhancement of digital literacy and access among older adults. This is attained through the development of user-friendly telehealth platforms, community-based training in telehealth, and support systems made up of family members and caregivers. It is also critical to invest more in broadband infrastructure, alter policies for reimbursement parity, and implement mobile health units across rural areas in order to reduce the urban-rural disparities with regard to telehealth usage. This involves the promotion of gender-inclusive strategies, mainly through the reduction of racial and ethnic disparities related to telehealth adoption. The techniques in achieving this include targeted outreach programs, training of healthcare providers to promote the use of telehealth in men with prostate cancer, and culturally competent programs that have the capacity to take care of various racial and ethnic groups. Further monitoring and richer data analysis may continue to shed light on the barriers to telehealth use across demographic groups, further ensuring there is equal access to care.