Harnessing the digital potential of the next generation of health professionals

Abstract

Digital technologies are rapidly being integrated into a wide range of health fields. This new domain, often termed ‘digital health’, has the potential to significantly improve healthcare outcomes and global health equity more broadly. However, its effective implementation and responsible use are contingent on building a health workforce with a sufficient level of knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the digital transformations in health. More specifically, the next generation of health professionals—namely youth—must be adequately prepared to maximise the potential of these digital transformations. In this commentary, we highlight three priority areas which should be prioritised in digital education to realise the benefits of digital health: capacity building, opportunities for youth, and an ethics-driven approach. Firstly, capacity building requires educational frameworks and curricula to not only be updated, but to also place an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. Secondly, opportunities are important for youth to meaningfully participate in decision-making processes and gain invaluable practical experiences. Thirdly, training in digital ethics and the responsible use of data as a standard component of education will help to safeguard against potential future inequities resulting from the implementation and use of digital health technologies.

The dawn of digital public health in Europe: Implications for public health policy and practice

“…Whether this is through the inclusion of DPH modules within existing academic courses or implementing additional educational initiatives, such a focus is vital to identifying potential areas for future digital health uptake and the continual strengthening of digital health systems. 43 …”

“…Young professionals – namely, youth – constitute an untapped resource within the public health workforce (PHWF) and present a great opportunity for strengthening both the digital health capacity and digital readiness of (public) health systems in which they are employed. 43 , 44 Additionally the involvement and engagement of youth via multidisciplinary public-private partnerships between academia, governments, civil society, and other relevant stakeholder groups can further strengthen governance processes related to DPH. However, youth must be enfranchised to structurally contribute to the promotion and adoption of DPH technologies (e.g.…”

“…12 , 45 Only by harnessing the digital potential of the current and future generation of the PHWF can DPH interventions achieve maximum uptake and spread across Europe. 43 …”

Building Back Better after COVID-19: a systematic scoping review of wicked problems affecting developed countries and implications for global governance

“…In order for the opportunities presented by digitalisation and digital transformations to be {40}], who are often the driving force behind digital uptake and advancement); building and improving digital capacity (e.g. skills and literacy), not only among professionals and stakeholders, but across the population [42]; and (re)building public trust in the digital world and information systems after the devastating utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic (also with regards to the future developments of AI and the prominent role it is likely going to play in society). With regards to globalisation, stakeholders and change agents should consider a new social contract-one that is more geared towards community-based approaches and pooling risks and resources [43].…”

Digital health competencies in medical school education: a scoping review and Delphi method study

“…While the implementation of digital health has so far been highly heterogeneous, the potential of digital health is enormous [ 11 ]. However, the fulfillment of this potential is dependent upon future healthcare workforces being competent and comfortable with its use [ 12 – 14 ].…”