JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital transformation has disrupted many industries but is yet to revolutionise healthcare. Educational programs must be aligned to the reality that beyond developing individuals in their own professions, professionals wishing to make an impact in digital health will need a multidisciplinary understanding of how business models, organisational processes, stakeholder relationships, and workforce dynamics across the healthcare ecosystem may be disrupted by digital health technology.

Objective:

To redesign an existing postgraduate program, ensuring that core digital health content is relevant, pedagogically sound and evidence-based, and that the program provides learning and practical application of concepts of digital transformation of health.

Methods:

Existing subjects were mapped to the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Clinical Informatics Core Competencies, followed by consultation with leadership to further identify gaps or opportunities to revise the course structure. New additions of core and elective subjects were proposed to align with the competencies. Suitable electives were chosen based on stakeholder feedback and a review of subjects in fields relevant to digital transformation of health.

Results:

The program was revised with a new title, course overview, course intended learning outcomes, reorganising of core subjects, and approval of new electives, adding to a suite of professional development offerings and forming a structured pathway to further qualification.

Conclusions:

Programs in digital health must move beyond purely informatics-based competencies towards enabling transformational change. Postgraduate program development in this field is possible within a short timeframe with use of established competency frameworks, expert and student consultation.