Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to define and identify the enduring attributes of digital skills within the healthcare sector, in order to enhance the understanding of the concept. Digital skills, which are at the core of the healthcare agenda, is a challenging concept to define and has been viewed from varying perspectives. Much of the healthcare literature that discusses digital skills relies upon conceptualisations which are borrowed from other scientific fields. In fact, the term of digital skills is in widespread use within the healthcare sector, but there hasn’t been an agreed definition or characteristics that could be used throughout the health care landscape. Using the Walker and Avant methodology of a concept analysis, the function of the concept digital skills, is explored within the context of healthcare. Model and contrary cases were developed, as well as, defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of digital skills were identified. Core attributes included autonomy, self-determination, self-efficacy, problem-solving and communication. Also, the results of the analysis have shown that effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare emerge as dominant positive consequences of the appropriate application of digital skills. Overall, the findings of this paper provide a conceptual framework which is contextually related with the healthcare sector and can be utilised by the stakeholders who are interested.
Recommended Citation
Anastasiou K, Smith D. Development of a Conceptual Framework to Identify and Clarify the Concept of Digital Skills in the Healthcare Sector. Aesculapius. 2023 Mar 31; 4(1):Article 1. Available from: https://red.library.usd.edu/aesculapius/vol4/iss1/1. Free full text article.