Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ Preparedness for Health Informatics in Healthcare in a South African Metropolitan City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 University of the Western Cape, Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, Cape Town

2 Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

3 Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

10.30476/jhmi.2025.106128.1272

Abstract

Introduction: The increased use of computing technologies has led to the integration of
digital technologies in most human activities. The term health informatics (HI) is synonymous
with the application of digitisation in healthcare. The increasing digitisation in the health
sector necessitates HI and digital competencies. Accordingly, healthcare professionals need
to be proficient in technology applications to be effective users. Consequently, this research
explored healthcare professionals’ preparedness for HI and digitisation in the healthcare
sector.
Methods: The guidelines of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research
(COREQ) steps were employed to conduct the study. 31 participants were acquired through
purposive and snowball sampling strategies. The interviewed participants comprised
healthcare students, lecturers and practitioners from medicine, social work, nursing,
occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics and dentistry disciplines. The data analysis was
conducted through thematic analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that most participants possessed basic knowledge, except for
a few technology enthusiasts. However, most were eager about healthcare digitisation. Most
participants acquired computing skills through basic computer literacy classes during their
education and work training programmes, but they were not adequately prepared for the
inevitable complex digital technologies in healthcare.
Conclusion: Considering current and future anticipated technological innovations, it is
crucial to address healthcare professionals’ HI and digital competencies, which are likely
to be further exacerbated by the fifth industrial revolution. It is imperative that healthcare
stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, educational institutions
and healthcare facilities, prioritise engagement and strategies regarding the use of HI and
technologies in healthcare.

Highlights

Arthur B. Chikware (Google Scholar)

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Health Management & Information Science
Volume 12, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 193-203

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