Digital Literacy among Doctors in Chişinău, Moldova. A pathway to Tailored Educational Programs

Abstract

Background: As healthcare increasingly integrates digital technologies, it is crucial to ensure that medical professionals possess robust digital competencies to maximize the benefits of these technologies. Mastering fundamental digital skills is essential before engaging with more complex digital health technologies. Aim: This study aims to assess the general digital competencies of doctors in Chișinău, Moldova, and to identify specific areas needing improvement, thereby providing a foundation for tailored educational programs. Materials and Methods: In April 2024, data were collected using the My DigiSkills tool, a self-assessment online questionnaire developed under the European Commission's DigCompSAT project by ALL DIGITAL. This cross-sectional study involved 91 doctors from various medical institutions in Chișinău, who self-assessed their digital competence levels across five areas: Information and Data Literacy, Communication and Collaboration, Digital Content Creation, Safety, and Problem Solving. Results: Results indicate that while doctors in Chișinău generally possess a medium level of digital competencies, significant gaps are evident in some of the 21 individual digital competences. Notable demographic differences in age and gender suggest varying levels of digital literacy. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted digital skills training. Training programs should be designed to meet the diverse needs identified through self-assessment, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities that enhance digital proficiency and improve overall healthcare quality.