Understanding Ethnic Minorities’ Use of Sundhed.dk

A User-Oriented Health Platform for Everyone

Sundhed.dk’s vision is to be a user-oriented health platform that is accessible to all. Studies indicate that ethnic minorities face additional challenges in navigating the digital healthcare system compared to ethnic Danes. This poses a challenge in the context of an increasingly digitalised healthcare sector. 

Increased support for ethnic minorities in navigating the healthcare system could help reduce the strain on healthcare professionals. To achieve this, Sundhed.dk aims to gain deeper insights into the behaviour and experiences of non-ethnic Danes in accessing health information and utilising digital health services. These insights may contribute to making Sundhed.dk more accessible to citizens with ethnic minority backgrounds.

To reach this goal, Sundhed.dk and Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark are conducting a pilot study to provide deeper insight into the behaviour and experiences of non-ethnic Danes regarding health information and their use of digital health services.

Purpose

The project aims to conduct a qualitative study of: 

• How individuals with ethnic minority backgrounds access information about health, illness, and treatment, with a focus on both western and non-western immigrants across socioeconomic groups.
• How they use and perceive digital health services, particularly Sundhed.dk.
• Expert insights into the digital competencies of ethnic minorities and their interaction with the healthcare system.

Additionally, the project will use desk research to investigate existing knowledge about the target group and potential for increased web accessibility. 

Expected Outcomes

• Sundhed.dk is expected to build a foundation for tailoring its digital solutions and communication to individuals with an ethnic minority background. This includes establishing a solid basis for future collaborations with partners concerning the target group.
• Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark is expected to gather insights that provide value in initiatives aimed at reducing health inequalities and improving citizens’ and patients’ digital skills, for example through the Digital Health Centre and virtual antenatal education.
• If the findings are used in development projects, individuals with an ethnic minority background are expected to gain improved access to health information, enhancing their empowerment and compliance in relation to prevention and treatment.

Deliverables

The pilot study involves the creation of a report based on approximately 12 qualitative interviews with citizens, 5–6 expert interviews, and desk research. The focus will be on:

• Unmet needs among citizens
• Opportunities for further development
• Inspiration for digital design and communication

Partners

• Project owner: Sundhed.dk
• Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark