Digital competency: a survey of UK allied health professionals

Abstract

The need to develop digital skills and confidence among NHS staff is reflected in research and government strategies across the UK. This study aimed to measure the confidence, motivation and competence of the allied health professional workforce in relation to data and digital technology. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, with an online survey distributed to measure respondents' characteristics and their self-rating of confidence, motivation and experience in data and digital technology, and of competence relative to the domains of the Health Education England allied health professions digital competency framework. Mean scores were calculated to measure self-rated confidence, motivation and experience. Mean scores on confidence and motivation to use digital technologies at work were moderate to high (7.34/10 and 8.33/10 respectively). High degrees of competence and applicability were reported in the ‘general’ and ‘data management and clinical informatics’ domains. Conversely, in the ‘decision support’ domain, 79.6% (n=490) of respondents reported that the competencies were applicable, but also had low competency rates (64.6%, n=397). In the domains of ‘meta competency’ and ‘records, assessments and plans’, 48.3% and 91% of respondents respectively reported low competence. Allied health professions have a moderate–high degree of confidence and motivation towards engaging with digital technologies in practice. However, self-perceived competence in some aspects of the domains of the digital competency framework is lacking. Workforce development programmes should consider learning needs related to electronic health records, decision support and use of machine learning or artificial intelligence. Focus should also be directed towards the development of digital leadership and strategy development skills.