This guide to digital inclusion is aimed at local health and care organisations to help them to take practical steps increase access to digital services for all in their communities.

It should be relevant to:

• commissioners of health and care services, including clinical commissioning groups – so they can take into account the needs of local populations who may be digitally excluded
• integrated care systems – so they can ensure digital inclusion is central to the design of future services
• providers of health and care services – so they can ensure services delivered digitally are as inclusive as possible
• local authorities and voluntary organisations – so they can make the most of partnerships with the health and care sector to improve digital inclusion
• designers of digital health services – so they can take into account the needs of those who might be digitally excluded, and design inclusive and accessible services

The guide is intended to help you understand:

• what we mean by digital inclusion
• who is likely to be digitally excluded and the barriers they may face
• why digital inclusion matters in health and care
• the benefits of supporting people to get online
• practical steps you can take to support digital inclusion locally
• the tools you can use to commission, provide and evaluate digital inclusion support
• resources for developing digital skills of health and care staff, carers and patients