Digital Exclusion as a barrier to accessing healthcare: A summary composite indicator and online tool to explore and quantify local differences in levels of exclusion

Digital exclusion leads to marginalization and inequality. A lack of tools to measure local exclusion hampers targeted interventions. In this study a composite indicator for digital exclusion and associated toolkit was developed. Indicator variables were normalised and aggregated. Factor analysis determined indicator weightings. Local levels of claiming Guaranteed Pension Credit, unemployment and low socioeconomic status showed strong mutual correlation. Underlying constructs were identified related to socioeconomic deprivation, poor academic qualifications, lack of activity and barriers to digital access. In general, coastal areas in Lincolnshire, UK had higher levels of digital exclusion, with significant local disparities within urban areas. The Lincolnshire Digital Health toolkit assists decision-makers in understanding and addressing digital exclusion.