Digital Health in the Context of Healthcare Workers' Education and Training
Carlos Alberto da Silva, Rui Almeida, Francisca Carvalheira, António Abrantes, Dulce Lourenço Miranda, Bianca Vicente, Magda Ramos, Tatiana Mestre
Abstract
Digital technologies are reshaping healthcare practices, influencing patient information-seeking behavior, and impacting ethical considerations. The emergence of eHealth, mHealth, and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics hold promise for improving healthcare quality. However, in Portugal, digital health literacy is underexplored, particularly in healthcare education. This chapter scrutinizes curricula at higher education health schools, revealing that while health technologies are integrated, digital health is often confined to specific modules. Portuguese institutions must reconsider curricula to equip healthcare professionals with essential digital skills. The significance of this chapter lies in its critical analysis and recommendations for reform. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive integration of digital health in healthcare education, highlighting the gap in current curricula and advocating for a more comprehensive approach. Recommendations include implementing ongoing training to enhance digital health literacy.