Transferring Healthcare Professional's Digital Competencies to the Workplace and Patients: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Healthcare Professional Development
• E-learning

Background:

• Modern healthcare demands new competencies due to rapid technological advances and globalization.
• Health institutions often neglect essential digital skills training, compelling professionals to seek independent learning.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding the practical application of digital health competencies acquired through online training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the transfer of learning from digital health training to professional practice.
• To assess the extent to which healthcare professionals utilize newly acquired digital skills for patient benefit and personal productivity.
• To identify barriers hindering the application of digital health competencies in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 104 healthcare professionals, primarily nurses, who completed online digital competency training.
• The survey comprised 17 questions focusing on the transfer of learning to professional practice and the development of patient resources.
• Data analysis focused on usage rates, types of resources created, personal productivity improvements, and research applications.

Main Results:

• Nearly 60% of participants reported applying learned digital skills in their work, but only 16% use them daily.
• Key barriers to application included the COVID-19 pandemic, time constraints, and lack of resources.
• While 23 professionals created patient resources (infographics, videos), 38 improved personal productivity, and 11 used skills for research. Professionals aged 31-40 showed higher engagement.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need to enhance e-learning platforms to ensure effective transfer of digital health competencies into professional practice.
• Current training initiatives require improvement to overcome barriers and promote consistent application of digital skills by healthcare professionals.
• Optimizing digital health training can lead to better patient resource development and improved professional productivity in the healthcare sector.