Mapping and Assessing existing training programmes for healthcare professionals and health managers in digital skills in Europe (Preprint)

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BACKGROUND Digital skills training in health is crucial to ensure that the healthcare workforce is equipped to leverage the potential of digital technologies in delivering efficient and effective care. Identifying the existing training programs can be valuable to describe gaps and opportunities for acceleration in the digital age. OBJECTIVE The mapping of the existing continuous education and professional development training options in digital skills in health and their assessment was the aim of this study. METHODS As part of the EU funded project entitled “TRANSiTION” - Digital TRANSition and dIgiTal resiIlience in Oncology, an expert-based approach was implemented for identifying training programmes in 14 European Countries. The data was collected via an online survey that was developed for the purpose of this study, and was consisted of twenty-three questions which were catecorised in five domains (general information, reaction, learning, behaviour, and results). The analysis was performed by using Kirkpatrick’s four levels model and the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. RESULTS The analysis of the data showed that in a percentage of 39.6% there is no official training in digital skills for the healthcare workforce, even the fact in the 95.8% of the cases digital solutions were used in the daily practice. Countries scored lower than the mean in the overall performance status according to the Kirkpatrick’s model that reflects the gap in knowledge and skills of HCPs and health managers. The quality of the programmes was poor and the evaluation reflects the great need and the gaps in health workforce’s education in digital skills and health technologies application in practice. CONCLUSIONS There was variance in the availability and quality of digital skills training across Europe. The development of a comprehensive training programme targeted to improve HCPs and health managers knowledge and skills but also digital tools incorporation into practice is crucial.