Digital capability: An essential nursing skill for proficiency in a post-COVID-19 world

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Healthcare Technology
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adoption of digital communication in healthcare.
• Organizational policies facilitated digital solutions to maintain essential services and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of digital technologies in health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify benefits, challenges, and strategies for sustained digital proficiency among healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• Review of publicly available evidence and sources.
• Analysis of digital capability frameworks for healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• The pandemic catalyzed the implementation of Technology Enhanced Care Services.
• Healthcare practitioners require adequate digital skills aligned with their roles and scope of practice.
• Digital proficiency is crucial for nurses to effectively utilize technology in patient care and management.

Conclusions:

• Integrating digital capabilities is essential for contemporary healthcare environments.
• Policies must support digital technologies and workforce skills development.
• Continuous monitoring of technological advancements is vital for innovation in patient care and infectious disease management.