A Digitally Capable Aged Care Workforce: Demands and Directions for Workforce Education and Development

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Aged Care Workforce Development

Background:

• The aged care sector is undergoing significant digital transformation.
• There are knowledge gaps regarding technology's impact on aged care workers (paid and unpaid).
• Optimizing digital and human resources is crucial for enhancing aged care services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify shared concepts and concerns regarding aged care workforce digital capability.
• To shape future research directions for digital health learning and development in aged care.
• To address the need for clearer implementation strategies for workforce development.

Main Methods:

• Reflection on a workshop held during an international conference.
• Discussion of shared concepts and concerns identified by participants.
• Identification of research needs for aged care workforce capability.

Main Results:

• Digital technologies and data can enhance aged care quality through partnerships.
• Digital health learning and development are critical for the aged care workforce.
• The sector requires clear direction for implementing workforce development approaches.

Conclusions:

• Investment in digital health capability is essential for the aged care workforce.
• Effective workforce development strategies are needed to support safe, ethical, and satisfying care.
• Addressing workforce needs will improve outcomes for both care providers and recipients.