Empowering allied health for a digital future: developing workforce capabilities in Victoria’s largest health service.

Abstract

Purpose:

The Victorian Digital Health Capability Framework for Allied Health Professionals (the Framework) outlines the knowledge and behaviours required for safe, high-quality, and effective practice in a digitised environment. In alignment with the National Digital Health Strategy, our objective is to ensure the allied health workforce has the support, resources, and capabilities to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Nature:

A cross-sectional survey of 223 allied health employees at Victoria’s largest public health network was conducted to evaluate digital health capabilities. The 19-item survey examined sub-domains of the Framework using a 5-point ordinal self-evaluation scale. The survey also captured qualitative responses relating to digital learning needs.

Descriptive statistics and content analysis informed the development of a strategic plan to address the learning needs.

Outcomes:

Targeted initiatives were implemented relating to education, resource development, digital communication, and governance refinement. As a result, participation in voluntary data education sessions surged by 368% from 2023 to 2024. A digital health intranet page was established to promote engagement with digital resources. Additionally, governance was strengthened through the establishment of digital champions and profession-based informatics committees, and the integration of digital health capabilities into position descriptions.

Practical implications:

Variations in digital health frameworks limited survey applicability across the wider clinical network, however findings may still inform capability-building initiatives for medical, pharmacy, and nursing and midwifery workforces.

The process highlighted that strategic development of digital health capabilities requires a clear understanding of existing competencies and needs. A 2-year follow-up survey will assess the impact of these initiatives.