Encyclopedia
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Subjects:
Computer Science, Software Engineering
A health platform is an IT system that provides a common infrastructure for delivering healthcare services. Organizations, including hospitals, clinics, home care providers, and governments, can use healthcare platforms. Examples of healthcare platforms include electronic health records (EHRs) and computer systems that store patients’ medical information, including health records, test results, and medications.
- accessible
- digital platforms
- respiratory rehabilitation
- scoping review
- therapeutic education
- sustainability
1. Introduction
In the current digital era, where the search for sustainability is paramount, the link between accessibility and health platforms plays a fundamental role. Online health platforms serve as gateways to crucial health information and services and have become instrumental in the search for sustainable healthcare solutions.
Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are computer systems that automate laboratory testing. Medical imaging information management systems (RIS) are computer systems that store medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs. Patient care management systems (PACS) are computer systems that allow physicians to view medical images from anywhere. Patient health management (PHR) platforms are computer systems that allow patients to store and share medical information.
Healthcare platforms rapidly evolve to incorporate new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Ensuring the accessibility of these platforms is not only an ethical imperative but also a fundamental component of a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. It is not simply about including all individuals but rather establishing an equitable and inclusive framework for healthcare that aligns with the core principles of sustainability.
This study recognizes that sustainability is not limited solely to ecological considerations but extends to social and ethical dimensions. Providing equitable and inclusive healthcare through accessible platforms is essential in this broader sustainability paradigm. The present research focuses on the accessibility of health platforms, examining their methodologies, tools, disabilities considered, and compliance with international accessibility guidelines.
Web accessibility improves sustainability by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [2]. SDG 4 relates to quality education by ensuring everyone has equal access regardless of their abilities. SDG 8 focuses on decent work and economic growth by opening up new opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy.
SDG 10, which reduces inequalities, ensures that everyone has equal access to information and services. SDG 16 helps to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions by ensuring everyone has equal access to government services and information.
In addition to these SDGs, web accessibility contributes to sustainable development’s overarching goal by promoting inclusion and participation. We can create a more sustainable and equitable world when everyone has equal access to the web.
An accessible health platform not only considers the needs of those with visual or hearing disabilities but also those with cognitive, motor, and other disabilities. The World Wide Web Consortium [3] (W3C) has established guidelines known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) [4] to help developers and designers create accessible websites and platforms. However, the application of these guidelines in the context of health platforms and the effectiveness of the assessment tools are still under debate.
2. Web Accessibility and Sustainability
In recent years, the intersection between web accessibility and sustainability has gained significant attention within the research landscape [8]. The relationship between these two seemingly distinct fields is becoming increasingly evident, reflecting the broader paradigm shift toward sustainability in the digital age.
Accessibility and sustainability play a crucial role in the context of healthcare platforms [9]. Accessibility refers to the ability of these platforms to be used by all users, including those with disabilities [10]. On the other hand, sustainability relates to the ability of these platforms [11] to operate efficiently and effectively without harming the environment or society.
Ensuring the accessibility of healthcare platforms means that they must be easy to use and understand for everyone, regardless of whether they have visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities. There are several measures that platforms can implement, such as the inclusion of alternative text for images, audio descriptions in videos, the use of assistive technologies, and the adoption of intuitive and user-friendly user interface designs [4].
On the other hand, sustainability in healthcare platforms refers to operating efficiently and effectively without compromising the environment or society [12]. This involves the adoption of energy-saving technologies, the digitization of processes to minimize the use of paper, and the consideration of recycled materials for its operations.
Accessibility and sustainability present challenges for healthcare platforms, as implementing accessibility measures can be costly and complex, and some healthcare decision-makers may not be fully aware of the benefits of sustainability. However, despite these challenges, accessibility and sustainability are essential aspects that must be considered when designing and implementing healthcare platforms [8].
Assistive technologies, such as screen readers and virtual keyboards, are crucial for disabled people to access healthcare platforms [13]. The user-centered approach enables healthcare organizations to create accessible platforms for all users, including those with disabilities. In addition, innovative solutions are being explored, such as using virtual reality in hospitals to help patients with disabilities better understand their treatments.
In terms of sustainability, healthcare organizations are adopting energy-saving technologies, such as energy-efficient servers and efficient cooling systems, to reduce their energy footprint [2,12]. They are also implementing digital processes to minimize the use of paper and other resources. Investments in sustainability are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of these organizations.
These trends indicate that accessibility and sustainability [2] will remain crucial in developing healthcare platforms. As technologies and practices evolve, healthcare organizations will have new opportunities to improve both the accessibility and sustainability of their platforms.
Assistive technologies [14] are advancing rapidly, and recognizing more and more types of content, such as videos and images. On the other hand, healthcare organizations continue to adopt sustainable technologies and practices, such as using solar energy to power their facilities.
These trends are critical to ensuring that healthcare platforms are accessible and sustainable for all users.
Our review looks at the specific tools and methodologies mentioned in these articles. For automated evaluations, tools such as Achecker [15], WAVE [16], TAW [17], and others, stood out [18]. On the other hand, manual reviews covered methods such as validation based on user tasks, expert consultations, user feedback, and questionnaires. We delved deeper into articles that used automated tools and manual reviews, emphasizing the synergies and discrepancies between the two evaluation methods. The articles were also examined to understand the spectrum of disabilities they addressed in their compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines [4] (WCAG) and their respective levels of conformity.
Several recent studies have explored the impact of web accessibility on sustainability, highlighting the multifaceted dimensions of this relationship. A key aspect relates to social sustainability, where accessible web platforms promote equity and inclusion in access to critical health-related information and services [19]. This alignment with social sustainability principles emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of diverse user groups, including those with disabilities, thereby fostering more equitable access to healthcare resources.
Furthermore, emerging trends highlight the environmental sustainability implications of accessible web platforms. As the digital ecosystem expands, digital services’ energy consumption and carbon footprint have become pressing concerns. Research is increasingly delving into developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly web accessibility solutions that minimize the environmental impact of online health platforms [20]. These innovations improve the sustainability of digital health services and align with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Recent research also examines the economic sustainability aspect of web accessibility. Accessible health platforms can generate economic efficiencies by retroactively reducing the cost of meeting accessibility needs. This profitability contributes to the long-term sustainability of health services, ensuring their continued availability for all [21].
Additionally, with the increasing adoption of telemedicine and e-health services, the role of web accessibility in promoting healthcare sustainability is more pronounced than ever. These services, often delivered through digital platforms, must be universally accessible to all users, especially those in remote or underserved areas. The interplay between web accessibility, telehealth, and healthcare sustainability presents a critical area for further exploration.
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/su152215916
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