Empowerment for the Digital Transformation: Results of a Structured Blended-Learning On-the-Job Training for Practicing Physicians in Germany

Josefin Bosch (), Christiane Ludwig, Johannes Fluch-Niebuhr and Dietrich Stoevesandt
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Josefin Bosch: Dorothea Erxleben Learning Center, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
Christiane Ludwig: Dorothea Erxleben Learning Center, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
Johannes Fluch-Niebuhr: Carl-von-Basedow-Klinikum Saalekreis gGmbH, 06217 Merseburg, Germany
Dietrich Stoevesandt: Dorothea Erxleben Learning Center, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: (1) Background: Practicing physicians have not been in the focus of structured qualifications in basic digital competences so far. However, they are the current gatekeepers to implement digital technologies and need empowerment to proactively take part in the ongoing digital transformation process. The present study investigates if a structured blended-learning training for practicing physicians in Germany enhances both physicians’ knowledge about central aspects of the digital transformation (including awareness of personal possibilities to act) and their attitudes towards a more digitally empowered mindset. (2) Methods: Participants ( n = 32) self-assessed their knowledge (19 items, 10-point Likert-scale) and attitudes (6 items, 5-point Likert-scale) towards the digital transformation at the beginning and at the end of the training. MANCOVAs were conducted. (3) Results: Participants reported an increase in every knowledge domain, representing large effects (Hedges’ g 1.06 to 2.82). Attitudes were partly shifted towards a more empowered mindset with decreased insecurity towards technological, legal, and ethical aspects of the digital transformation (Hedges’ g −0.82 to −1.40). However, preparedness for the digital transformation remained low. (4) Conclusions: Generally, the hypotheses were confirmed. The presented on-the-job training had the desired effects on practicing physicians’ knowledge and attitudes. Nevertheless, additional empowerment and support are essential.

Keywords: digital competence; digital transformation; continuous training; empowerment; physicians (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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