Urging The Executive Office On Aging To Work In Concert With The Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office, Hawaii Broadband Hui, And Aarp Hawaii, To Develop A Standard Training Workshop For Kupuna And Caregivers On How To Select And Purchase Appropriate Broadband Connectivity Equipment And Audio-visual Equipment Such As Tablets, And How To Operate Equipment To Access Telehealth Services.
The resolution emphasizes the significance of broadband access and modern equipment in improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly low-income seniors who are enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare. By equipping kupuna and caregivers with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate digital platforms, SR169 seeks to enhance healthcare accessibility. The implementation of this training could foster increased use of telehealth services, thereby potentially improving health outcomes and reducing barriers to care resulting from technological limitations.
Senate Resolution 169 (SR169) from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii urges the Executive Office on Aging to collaborate with various organizations, including the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office and AARP Hawaii, to develop a standard training workshop. This workshop is designed for kupuna (elderly) and their caregivers, focusing on selecting and purchasing appropriate broadband connectivity equipment, like tablets, and teaching them how to use this technology for telehealth services. The initiative recognizes the increasing importance of digital literacy in accessing healthcare, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made online doctor visits more common.
The reception of SR169 appears positive among legislative discussions, reflecting a shared understanding of the challenges faced by seniors in accessing healthcare through modern technology. Supporters believe the resolution aligns with public health goals by addressing the digital divide that exists for many elderly individuals, particularly in rural areas. Overall, there is strong backing for enhancing digital literacy as a means of improving service delivery to kupuna.
While SR169 aims to promote digital literacy and healthcare access, some may argue about the efficacy of such training programs in genuinely achieving these goals. Concerns could arise regarding the sustainability of broadband access in underserved areas, the willingness of seniors to adopt new technologies, and the potential for increased dependency on digital platforms in healthcare, which may not be ideal for all patients. However, the resolution illustrates a proactive approach to tackling these issues through education and community support.