The digital capabilities of the public and health and care professionals could be a major barrier to the digitisation of health services, according to the findings of a new Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) survey.
The National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care, undertaken in partnership with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE), found that the public is ready to embrace digital technologies in healthcare but professionals believe the ICT skills of patients will be a major challenge.
The survey was conducted in the context of EU targets to provide all citizens with electronic access to their medical records by 2030 and the bedding down of the European Health Data Space.
Of the 1020 professionals surveyed, 88 per cent said an online health record will help people be better informed about their health. However, 32 per cent were concerned about the public’s readiness to interact digitally and 36 per cent expressed concern that the digital delivery of health care would negatively affect their relationship with patients or clients.
Digital literacy also appears to be an issue with the healthcare sector professions themselves. Those surveyed expressed concerns about the practical application of digital health technologies, with 83 per cent saying they need training on the use of digital tools and 92 per cent saying they want clarity on who to contact for technical support.
Two in every three professionals highlighted a need for protocols on providing digital services and information.
More than 2000 members of the public were surveyed. The majority were in favour of digital health records, with 74 per cent saying that they would access their health record online, when available. Ninety per cent felt an online health record will help them manage their health between visits to a healthcare professional.
Tracking the progress of diagnostic tests and renewing prescriptions for regular medications were popular, with 90 and 89 per cent, respectively, voting in favour of each.
“The results of the project demonstrate that people want to see education, training and supports rolled out with any online health system,” HIQA’s director of health information and standards Rachel Flynn said.
“IT skills and infrastructure were identified as potential challenges by both the public and professionals.
“With the increased investment in digital health, it was important to engage with both the public and professionals, to help develop person-centred digital systems which can strengthen and support care delivery.
“The findings of this engagement are extremely valuable, providing evidence to inform the development and provision of digital health systems and services in Ireland.”
The findings will now be used by HIQA to inform health information and digital health work programmes.
“Although there is work that needs to be done, it is very positive to see that both members of the public and the professionals that care for them feel ready to incorporate a digital element into their care,” Ms Flynn said.
