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.@ONS published a data article today about digital exclusion in the UK. It's worth a read, but some things that struck me follow: ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulati…
Headway into the exclusion issue is being made - the fall in non-users of the internet is falling steadily each year. But in 2018, 10% of people in the UK were non-users. 
Proportion of the public who use the internet to access public services is growing, but still hasn't hit the 50% mark - even for the relatively low bar of looking up information. Throws into question whether "digital by default" is proving a rapid success.
As use of the internet becomes ubiqutous for those under 65, the profile of the average internet non-user is getting increasingly older. Real risk that those over 75 could become left behind as the rest of society adapts to internet use
The proportion of disabled adults who are internet non-users is declining rapidly, but remains well above the rest of the population. This is a group who could really benefit from NHS digital services (but obvs not if they aren't internet users)
Previous substantial disparities in internet use by ethnicity have narrowed in recent years. All ethnic groups are now at or below the level of internet non-use of the general population
Internet non-users are highest in the economically inactive through sickness or disability group (again a group that could benefit from digital NHS services). Those who are economically inactive for other reasons are only slightly more likely to be non-users than employees.
And lack of having a household internet connection is FAR more likely in lone households, especially if the individual is over 65. Seems like a potential link between digital exclusion and social isolation.
What are the implications for the NHS?
Core audiences for digital services, like those living with sickness or a disability, will need support to adopt and make most use of digital services
Core audiences for digital services, like those living with sickness or a disability, will need support to adopt and make most use of digital services
Other groups, like those who are younger but economically inactive, may be a growing group that could be targeted with digital interventions (though it is likely that these people will still need intensive support to make best use of these)
And - the NHS seriously needs to worry about the potential "left-behind" groups. Like those over 65 and socially isolated, for whom internet adoption is happening FAR slower than the general population.
But nothing here should stop health and care services looking to technology. Some clear areas here where inequalities could be targeted using the public's growing digital skills. But it does require investment in people's skills and capacity and sensitive design of services. END.
