Consolidating an interpretative framing of digital exclusion and conducting a stakeholder engagement exercise to inform practice and evaluation

Research question What factors influence digital inclusion, and how do various theories and frameworks underpin digital inclusion initiatives that could help guide future evaluative research to demonstrate their impact on health inequalities? Background Digital inclusion is critical in our increasingly digital world. However, achieving comprehensive digital inclusion involves understanding all factors that influence it. Various theories and frameworks provide insights into these influencing factors, shaping initiatives to bridge the ‘digital divide’. Understanding these theories is crucial for developing interventions that address the root causes of digital exclusion and mitigate its impact on health inequalities. By exploring and mapping these initiatives against a digital inclusion typology of interventions and their theoretical underpinnings, future evaluative research can better demonstrate their efficacy and guide the design of evidence-based approaches that ensure equitable health outcomes. Aims and objectives Our aim is to develop a comprehensive typology of digital exclusion that encompasses the complex, underpinning drivers, supporting the development and evaluation of targeted interventions. Our objectives are: 1. What theories and concepts have been used to understand the factors contributing to digital exclusion? 2. What theories and frameworks underpin initiatives looking to mitigate digital exclusion? 3. How are digital inclusion initiatives, both past and present, measuring their effectiveness, and which outcomes are linked to the health and wellbeing of the target population? 4. Which current digital inclusion initiatives have the potential to show measurable impacts on health inequalities in future research? Methods Using an integrated knowledge translation strategy, we will conduct a theory-building literature review to co-produce a digital exclusion typology –a comprehensive classification system, offering a solid theoretical framework to understand the causes of digital exclusion and identify potential solutions. We will use a narrative synthesis approach to synthesise the findings. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 25-30 key stakeholders working in this area will be conducted to gather information about current digital exclusion initiatives across the UK. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis and then mapped onto our typology using a network diagram. This approach will help identify initiatives suitable for future evaluative research. Timelines for delivery This 12-month research project consists of two overlapping work packages (WPs). WP1 (Theory-building to consolidate the typology) will last for nine months and WP2 (Stakeholder exercise) will last for eight months. The final three months will be dedicated to refining the typology and writing up the findings. Anticipated impact and dissemination Our digital exclusion typology will guide the evaluation of key initiatives –providing the evidence needed to identify and implement the most effective measures to mitigate digital exclusion and reduce health inequalities. The impact will be maximised through wide dissemination of the findings via traditional (peer-reviewed journal article) and non-traditional outputs (easy-read report, webinars), all of which will be presented in an in-person workshop, making the findings more relatable and applicable. All of the outputs will involve collaboration with PPI co-applicants.