Clinical Leaders' Self-Perceived eHealth Competencies in the Implementation of New eHealth Services

The training and competence of healthcare professionals are key factors in adopting new eHealth services. The scope of eHealth is broadening from information systems to eHealth services such as patient portals supporting self-management, which create a need for new competencies. In this study, we evaluated clinical leaders' eHealth competencies and training needs in two public healthcare organizations in Finland. The target organizations' goal was to increase the number of patients' eHealth services and clinical leaders were seen as critical in this change. Data were collected through an online survey of 98 clinical leaders working in two healthcare organizations. The results imply that managing change and planning implementation are challenging to clinical leaders. They need more information about eHealth services, their possibilities, and benefits in order to support their subordinates and patients. The clinical leaders seem to be in a critical role in supporting healthcare professionals and avoiding resistance to change.