Digital Health Education: Determining Competences and Piloting Innovative Study Course.

Abstract

Digital technology for health services plays a critical role in the delivery of health services. In order to move towards universal healthcare, improvement of patient outcomes and better health, one must make use of the advantages of Digital Health tools and recognition of the role of the health ICT worker. Therefore, it is necessary to have a workforce that is competent to use these tools. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare and information technology, the domain of Digital Health builds on a variety of disciplines termed biomedical and health informatics, and other allied fields. With the increasing need to have a knowledgeable, skilled and competent workforce, it is necessary to concentrate efforts towards the provision of education modules in Digital Health. While continuing medical education, certificate courses and other similar courses attempt to bridge the gap in the delivery of Digital Health education, it is also paramount to establish dedicated and standalone courses. Streamlining approaches to Digital Health Education across disciplinary, cultural and national boundaries, is key to address the challenges of firmly embedding Digital Health courses in the fabric of university education. In the effort to provide the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies (KSCs) to the current health ICT worker, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European Campus Rottal-Inn (DIT-ECRI) is in the process of piloting a virtual course in Global Digital Health. With the ability to provide core competencies in Digital heath, this virtual course is a step towards advancing Global Digital Health Education.