SAULT STE. MARIE, MICH. (RFD-TV) — Reliable internet access may play a bigger role in community health than many people realize. A new study from Connected Nation found that counties with higher broadband adoption and computer ownership performed better on eight of nine health measures, highlighting the link between digital access and healthcare outcomes.
David Nunnally, research data scientist with Connected Nation, joined Market Day Report to discuss the findings, why broadband matters for rural healthcare and how expanded connectivity could help communities overcome barriers to care.
In his interview with RFD-TV, Nunnally said the research found a strong association between internet adoption, device ownership and a range of health measures.
“What stood out was the sheer magnitude of the results,” Nunnally said. “There was such a strong association between internet adoption and device ownership, and these very varied health metrics.”
Broadband Plays a Role in Healthcare Access
Nunnally said reliable internet access is important for patients who need to use online healthcare portals, find health information, and make informed decisions. It also helps patients access telehealth appointments, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
“The internet is incredibly important for patients to access portals for accessing information,” he said. “It is important for looking up health information to make informed decisions. It is important for accessing telehealth appointments, especially in parts of the country where healthcare infrastructure is not as robust.”
He added that internet access can affect other parts of daily life, including employment, education, and housing, which can also influence health outcomes.
Urban and Rural Results Raise Questions
One finding that surprised the research team was that the relationship between broadband adoption and health outcomes was stronger in urban counties than in rural counties.
Nunnally said researchers initially expected the connection to be stronger in rural areas because telehealth could help fill gaps in local healthcare infrastructure.
“We were surprised to find that the relationship between these metrics is actually stronger in urban areas than in rural areas,” he said.
He said additional research is needed to better understand why the results differed from expectations.
Broadband Infrastructure and Rural Healthcare
Nunnally said broadband infrastructure will be important as states begin implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program. He pointed to the potential for internet access to help rural residents reach healthcare appointments and information without traveling long distances.
“It is incredibly important, with that lack of infrastructure, getting people access to their appointments so that they do not have to drive three hours,” Nunnally said.
He also said online access could help patients find information without waiting through long phone queues.
A Broader Impact on Rural Communities
Nunnally said the biggest takeaway for policymakers and rural communities is that broadband access and device ownership can affect more than connectivity.
“It is very important to consider internet access and getting people access to the internet and getting devices into people’s hands,” he said. “It can have major effects on so many different aspects of their lives, including their health.”
LEARN MORE: connectednation.org
