P121 Understanding barriers to digital inclusion from Urdu speakers’ perspective: remote monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Masood Yumna , Ali Syed Mustafa , Chadwick Helen , Staniland Karen , van der Veer Sabine , Dixon William , Sanders Caroline ,   On behalf of the REMORA2 team
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims

Chronic musculoskeletal conditions are more prevalent in South Asian (SA) communities, particularly for women and older adults, who face existing barriers in accessing healthcare services. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) has the potential to enhance management of long-term conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, offering insights into disease activity and supporting shared decision-making. However, SA communities in the UK and elsewhere, are commonly underrepresented in the development and evaluation of digital health technologies where language and other barriers may limit adoption and use. This research aimed to explore perspectives of Urdu speaking members of South Asian communities on barriers for engaging with RPM using an app designed for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The focus on Urdu speakers provides an example to ensure RPM benefits South Asian communities, and particularly where language may be a barrier.

Methods

The study included nine participants, primarily females with one male participant, aged 55-75, who were Urdu speakers and diagnosed with or suspected of having RA. They were recruited from community organisations in Greater Manchester and introduced to the RPM app for monitoring symptoms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Urdu to investigate barriers to digital inclusion. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in Urdu (by Urdu speaking members of the team) with selective translation into English. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes related to digital exclusion and strategies for addressing these issues.

Results

Participants’ responses were themed into five key areas concerning digital inclusion and potential solutions: 1. Existing use of digital devices and resources ; most expressed limited use of digital technology in day to day living, 2. Concerns about privacy ; some expressing caution and lack of confidence in security, 3. Views about symptom tracking; many were positive about tracking symptoms to share with doctors, though some said they would not want the constant reminder of their condition, 4. Barriers to engagement with the app; women, older individuals, and those with limited tech exposure, emphasizing the need for translated versions and family support, 5.Social Support to engagement with technology; Suggestions included workshops to improve digital literacy, translated materials (including audio) and reminders, as well as family support.

Conclusion

The study revealed challenges faced by women, older individuals, and those with limited tech exposure when using the app, emphasizing the need for translated versions and family support. The study also highlighted a need to consider intersectional dimensions of inequality for tailoring solutions. Overall, the study emphasizes the significance of tailored support and accessibility measures for the diverse communities like SA Urdu community when implementing digital health solutions.

Disclosure

Y. Masood: None. S. Ali: None. H. Chadwick: None. K. Staniland: None. S. van der Veer: None. W. Dixon: Consultancies; WGD has received consultancy fees from Google unrelated to this work. C. Sanders: None.