The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new virtual digital literacy programme aimed at supporting the digital skills of health workers across the Americas and supporting the use of emerging technologies in health and care.
PAHO notes all health workers are encouraged to register for the free course, which covers topics such as digital transformation, AI, data governance, telehealth, interoperability, big data, analytics, and more.
Offering a self-assessment tool to help tailor learning to participants’ individual needs, the programme is a virtual experience, combining technical classes, keynote lectures, real-world case studies, and collaborative spaces. Translations are available in Spanish and English, accessible via PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health.
Noting gaps in access to and understanding of health tech tools such as EHRs and telemedicine platforms in the region, the programme looks to equip health personnel with the knowledge required to lead change in their workplaces, according to Marcelo D’Agostino, unit chief for information systems and digital health at PAHO, who added: “With renewed competencies for the digital world, the Region will move toward more resilient and equitable health systems.”
Developing a digitally skilled workforce
For a HTN Now panel discussion late last year, we were joined by a group of experts to discuss digital workforce education and training. This included sharing examples of educational programmes to support digital programmes, as well as best practices for engaging the workforce in digital education and tech. To form our panel, we welcomed George Anibaba, senior innovation manager at Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, as well as Geoff Petrie, digital training manager and David Holland, deputy CCIO for Allied Health Professionals, both from Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
We revisited this topic again in February, when we were joined by expert panellists including Dr Penny Kechagioglou, CCIO and deputy CMO at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust; Stuart Dures, digital skills development manager at Greater Manchester Mental Health; Dan Chilcott, client enablement director at Patchwork Health; and Sally Mole, senior digital programme manager – digital portfolio delivery team at The Dudley Group. Our panellists considered some of the key determinants of successful NHS workforce transformation, looking at how best to drive buy-in and support the workforce, and noting challenges and barriers to transformation.
NHS Gloucestershire’s first draft ICS data strategy for 2025 – 2030 noted the importance of developing a “data-informed” workforce and equipping data professionals with the skills they need to support advanced analysis and improved forecasting, with the ICS committing to offering structured pathways for data analysts, data scientists, data engineers, database administrators and other specialists, to support the retention and development of talent. Staff not working directly with data will also be empowered to engage with analytical findings, “ask the right questions”, and apply data-driven insights within their role, the strategy continues.
