[Practical training for nursing and allied health workers for a reflective approach to digitalization processes: a...

Practical training for nursing and allied health workers for a reflective approach to digitalization processes: a mixed methods study Abstract: Background: To promote digitalization in healthcare, it is necessary to train health and nursing professionals in the proper use and reflective application of digital technologies. Aims and Questions: The goal as the development, piloting and evaluation of a training program for healthcare professionals that enables them to use digital technologies reflectively in nursing practice. The overarching question was: How does the training "Consultants for Digital Health Care" impact the digital competence development of the participants? Methods: The study followed a mixed-methods design with three endpoints: learning success regarding digital competencies, satisfaction with the training, and theory-practice transfer through practical projects. For evaluation, reflection sheets, Teaching Analysis Polls (TAP), and semi-structured interviews were combined. Results: A total of 62 health and nursing professionals participated in the pilot training program. The results particularly indicate an increase in professional and ethically reflective competencies. Participants found the design and scope of the training to be purposeful and positively highlighted the exchange in heterogeneous groups. The high practical orientation and the associated theory-practice transfer are evident in the diverse practical projects of the participants. Conclusion: The training is targeted, application-oriented, and leads to an increase in competence that is associated with the implementation of specific digitization projects.