Measuring digital health competence among healthcare professionals: A rapid review of assessment tools.

Abstract

Healthcare professionals are increasingly expected to use digital health technologies in their clinical practice, despite limited prior education and training. Measuring digital health competence can assist organisations to understand workforce learning needs and tailor digital transformation efforts for maximum impact. This study aims to review the extant literature to answer the questions: what validated assessment tools are available to assess healthcare professionals' digital competence and what is the quality of evidence for these tools? We used a criteria-led evaluation approach to 1) develop criteria for evaluation, 2) conduct a rapid literature review to identify tools and 3) evaluate tools against key criteria and determine their quality of evidence. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Google scholar and grey literature up to April 22, 2025. The search strategy included three concepts: 'questionnaire OR survey' AND 'digital competence' AND 'healthcare staff'. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines adapted for the rapid review methodology. Twenty-eight publications and grey literature met the inclusion criteria, with 61% published in the last 5 years. Most assessments designed for the healthcare workforce were nursing-specific (n = 9/20, 45%). Psychometric properties were reported for 71% of included instruments with varying quality of evidence. Only two tools met the criteria of being valid and scoped to the interprofessional healthcare workforce. Understanding which tools are validated and fit-for-purpose is essential for researchers, educators and health services seeking to measure and improve digital health competence among healthcare professionals. There is a need to expand research into interprofessional measures of healthcare workforce digital competence to support effective workforce transformation.