Digital competence in the healthcare sector depends on age and support
Digital technology has become an essential part of everyday life in Norwegian health and social services. The use of digital tools affects how healthcare personnel document patient information, communicate with each other, and provide services to patients.
A new study shows that there are significant differences in how proficient healthcare workers are at using this technology. Competence varies considerably based on factors such as age, the extent to which one actually uses digital systems on a daily basis, and the training provided in the workplace.
The results indicate that organizational support is crucial for employees to master digital tools. When employers facilitate good training and provide sufficient technical assistance, it becomes easier for healthcare personnel to adopt new solutions in a busy workday.
For the healthcare service to function effectively, it is important that all employees feel confident using digital systems. The findings underscore the need for targeted measures that can help employees increase their digital competence, ensuring that patient safety and the quality of services are maintained.