Digital health research can be positive for Indigenous people. But our study found it needs to follow these principles

Digital technologies are transforming health care for all Australians, and this includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Electronic health interventions (eHealth) can involve features such as telehealth, instant messaging and mobile apps that support health care. But testing what kinds of eHealth work for Indigenous people – and what don’t – relies on good quality research.

And so far there hasn’t been strong, overarching guidance on what culturally safe eHealth looks like for Indigenous people. We reviewed 39 studies about eHealth interventions for Indigenous people. We wanted to identify what made eHealth interventions effective, beneficial and culturally safe for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities involved.

Here’s what we found. Who does eHealth research benefit? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the most researched human beings in the world, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council. But much of this research has not directly benefited them.

This has created a sense of scepticism about research among some Indigenous people. Researchers who want to explore the role of digital innovations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care need to consider whether it is beneficial for those Indigenous communities – not just the science community. Studies have shown positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples using eHealth for a range of issues.

They include mental heal.