This research project aims to investigate factors influencing women’s trust in digital healthcare in Ireland. Given ongoing advances in technology, it is likely that health tools will become increasingly more digital in the future. For example, we have already seen how technology can change access to healthcare throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including testing and vaccination appointments. This study is particularly interested in factors impacting Irish women’s trust in digital healthcare due to the unique social, cultural and historical standing women in Ireland have. Reports show there is a perceived lack of information and access to services surrounding women’s health issues, such as sexual health, nutrition, pregnancy, menopause and caregiving. This may be addressed through the creation and use of digital health tools, such as apps, online consultation/prescription services, and moderated online forums. However, a key factor of uptake in digital healthcare tools is trust. This study aims to allow insight into what factors might influence women’s trust in digital health services. This will involve collecting survey responses and conducting interviews with women living in Ireland. These responses will then be analysed to examine Irish women’s perceptions, concerns, priorities and ideas regarding digital healthcare. This information will aid in the development of measures of trust in these tools, in an Irish-specific context, and offer recommendations of features and functions that Irish women would like to see in the future of digital healthcare. Our findings will also have implications for policy on using digital tools in healthcare and listening to women’s experiences.
