Management of digital competence sharing in healthcare: Exploring managers' self-assessment and associated factors in a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim:
To describe healthcare managers’ self-assessment of management of digital competence sharing and associated background factors.

Background:
Digital competence is essential for the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare. As digital systems become increasingly embedded in clinical workflows, healthcare managers play a critical role in supporting the development and sharing of digital expertise among healthcare professionals to ensure the successful adoption and utilisation of ICT and new digital solutions.

Design:
A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Methods:
The data were collected from healthcare managers (n = 156) representing five public and one private healthcare organisation in Finland using the Self-assessed Management of Digital Competence Sharing (Sa-MDCS) instrument. The data was analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The study was reported in accordance with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist.

Results:
Healthcare managers generally self-assessed the management of digital competence sharing as good. The highest-rated subscale was the creation of a friendly and safe digital organisational atmosphere, whereas the lowest-rated subscale was the provision of resources and opportunities for digital competence sharing. Significant associations were found between self-assessments and background factors, including age, management experience, digital competence training, organisational context, and management level.

Conclusion:
Although healthcare managers perceive themselves as proficient in promoting digital competence sharing, gaps remain in resource allocation and strategic utilisation of existing digital expertise. Strengthening managerial support is essential for enhancing organisational readiness and the effective integration of ICT into clinical practice. To support this, healthcare organisations should invest in targeted leadership training and ensure adequate resources. Fostering a culture of continuous digital learning and sharing can enhance the adoption of ICT and new digital solutions, streamline clinical workflows, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.