Towards a digital health competency framework for the workforce abstract; preliminary findings

Abstract

Background: Technology is reshaping the healthcare (HC) system and the relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional. In healthcare, there is wide agreement that digital competence is essential for professionals. However, what these common competences should specifically include for health professionals is still not clearly identified. Objectives: The aim of this research is to identify a best-practice digital competency framework for healthcare professionals. Methods: A systematic review based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was conducted. Literature published in English between 2014 and 2024 was searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ProQuest, BASE and the first 10 pages of Google and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools, while mixed-methods studies were appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: The initial search identified 9362 papers, of which 111 were included. Preliminary findings underscore the importance of developing a robust framework that encompasses technical and enabling competences for practitioners at various levels of the HC infrastructure. It isproposed that the framework includes the following key domains: (i) Leadership competences (ii) Procedural competences and (iii) Enabling competences. Discussion: Competency frameworks link professional practice, education, training, and assessment. Most studies list competences rather than develop structured frameworks, highlighting a gap in the literature. Existing frameworks rely largely on expert consensus, with few developed through rigorous academic methods. Conclusion: Adopting a systems-thinking approach could better capture the complexity of professional practice, guiding the development of more robust and effective competency frameworks for healthcare professionals.