Design and Methodological Development of a Digital Clinical Safety Training Program Informed by a National Framework:...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Digitalization in healthcare presents risks to patient confidentiality, tool reliability, and clinical workflows.
• Limited guidance exists for embedding Digital Clinical Safety (DCS) principles in large healthcare organizations.
• Health New Zealand developed the first DCS Framework, but organizational adoption mechanisms are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the methodological design of a DCS training program.
• To identify pre-implementation considerations for integrating DCS principles into organizational practice.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative exploratory study using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with seven stakeholders.
• A structured options assessment to compare DCS implementation approaches.
• Integrated assessment of programme feasibility and design based on stakeholder feedback and interviews.

Main Results:

• Limited shared understanding of DCS between clinical and digital teams.
• Strong support for accessible and relevant DCS training.
• A comprehensive, modular training program identified as the most suitable option for embedding DCS principles.

Conclusions:

• A structured methodology for designing DCS training within a national health system.
• Training can drive organizational change, promoting shared understanding and safe digital practices.
• Provides transferable insights for embedding DCS in complex health systems to support safe, equitable digital healthcare.