exploring healthcare professionals’ preparedness for health informatics in healthcare in a south african metropolitan city

Introduction: the increased use of computing technologies has led to the integration ofdigital technologies in most human activities. the term health informatics (hi) is synonymouswith the application of digitisation in healthcare. the increasing digitisation in the healthsector necessitates hi and digital competencies. accordingly, healthcare professionals needto be proficient in technology applications to be effective users. consequently, this researchexplored healthcare professionals’ preparedness for hi and digitisation in the healthcaresector.methods: the guidelines of the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research(coreq) steps were employed to conduct the study. 31 participants were acquired throughpurposive and snowball sampling strategies. the interviewed participants comprisedhealthcare students, lecturers and practitioners from medicine, social work, nursing,occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics and dentistry disciplines. the data analysis wasconducted through thematic analysis.results: the findings revealed that most participants possessed basic knowledge, except fora few technology enthusiasts. however, most were eager about healthcare digitisation. mostparticipants acquired computing skills through basic computer literacy classes during theireducation and work training programmes, but they were not adequately prepared for theinevitable complex digital technologies in healthcare.conclusion: considering current and future anticipated technological innovations, it iscrucial to address healthcare professionals’ hi and digital competencies, which are likelyto be further exacerbated by the fifth industrial revolution. it is imperative that healthcarestakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, educational institutionsand healthcare facilities, prioritise engagement and strategies regarding the use of hi andtechnologies in healthcare.