Aims: To identify healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and explore associated factors to digital health competence in healthcare settings.
Design: A cross-sectional study.
Methods: Data were collected from 817 healthcare professionals from nine organizations with an electronic questionnaire by using Digital Health Competence instrument (42 items) and Aspects Associated with Digital Health instrument (15 items) between 1st March and 31st July 2022. K-means clustering was used to describe digital health competence profiles. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore associated factors.
Results: Analysis revealed three digital health competence profiles: A - high competence (n = 336), B - intermediate competence (n = 352) and C - low competence (n = 129). Between the profiles, digital health competence showed significant differences (p < .001). Recent graduation year, working in outpatient environments and leader or specialist position were associated with higher digital health competence. Organizational practices and the influence from colleagues improved competence in human-centred remote counselling, digital solutions as part of work, competence in utilizing and evaluating digital solutions and ethical competence. Support from management improved digital solutions as part of work and ethical competence.
Conclusion: Nursing and allied health professionals working in other than outpatient environments should be specifically acknowledged when digital health competence development initiatives are designed and targeted. The positive influence from colleagues could be harnessed by enhancing their involvement in digital health competence development methods such as orientation, mentoring or coaching. Additionally, managers should take a stronger role in supporting different areas of digital health competence.
Impact: This was the first study that explored healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and associated factors. The detection of healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles guides the development of digital health education according to different needs in healthcare environments.
Reporting method: The study has adhered to STROBE guidelines.
Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.
Keywords: allied health personnel; cluster analysis; delivery of health care; logistic models; nursing personnel; professional competence; surveys and questionnaires; telemedicine.
© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.