Unlocking the Potential for Implementation of Equitable, Digitally Enabled Citizen Science: Multidisciplinary Digital Health Perspective

Abstract

Citizen science is a community-based participatory research approach with an emphasis on addressing health disparities that is increasingly advocated by the community, researchers, and research funders. Digitally enabled methods can extend the potential of citizen science by enabling citizens to engage in real-time research processes, such as data collection, information sharing, interpreting, acting on data, and informing decision-making. However, the power of any citizen science lies in promoting health equity by providing equal opportunity for citizen engagement. Without appropriate attention to recognize and address equity, digital enablement of citizen science may exacerbate rather than ameliorate health inequalities. In this Viewpoint, we draw on our digital health research experience and perspectives to outline the practice of citizen science in the context of digital health—how it is operationalized, key advocated principles, and challenges. We also discuss citizen science in relation to health equity and implementation science, including emphasizing the importance of integrating health equity principles and frameworks, health equity implementation determinants, and digital determinants of health. We demonstrate how equity could be achieved by providing a working example in the context of a digitally enabled approach to improving social, physical, and mental well-being among people with disability and caregivers.