#10 - Important Digital Skills for Healthcare Professionals.
The healthcare landscape has evolved and is still evolving, and technology is playing a huge role in that evolution. The term health tech, which is simply the integration of technology into healthcare delivery, is now common language in medical circles. The advent of technology into healthcare has ultimately transformed the way healthcare professionals interact with patients and colleagues, manage healthcare data and information, and provide care.
To succeed as a healthcare professional in this digital era, there is a cogent need to upskill by obtaining and improving specific digital skills that will support you adequately in this era of digital transformation. I will shed light on some digital skills that every healthcare worker should endeavour to get.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR): A significant number of hospitals in Nigeria and diaspora are deploying EMR systems to improve information capturing, storage and management. Being proficient in the use of EMRs is one important skill that cannot be overlooked, and that knowledge can also kick start your career in some health tech roles like product management, UX Research, and UI Research.
Telehealth and Telemedicine: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid deployment of telehealth and telemedicine solutions globally not excluding Nigeria. In the UK, we have companies deploying Virtual ward solutions. Healthcare professionals should be skilled in performing remote consultations, use video conferencing tools and be able to document remotely. I remember when I worked for Gerocare in Lagos, and after my home visits, I would have to log into the online portal to key in all aspects of my visits including the medical history of my patients. It was an eye-opening experience that opened my eyes to what was possible.
Data Analysis: Being able to derive meaningful insights from data especially healthcare data, can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Data with actionable insights is very key to making data driven decisions. A career in data analysis either full time or part time is very possible as a clinician as I know several doctors who are now full-time data analysts, and are enjoying it e.g Dr. Lolu ( watch our interview here). This would involve getting to understand Excel, Power BI, SQL, and Tableau among others.
Health Education on social media: Being social media savvy in this internet age is almost a pre- requisite for a every healthcare professional. The digital/social media offers a very good medium for educating individuals/online users about their health by sharing credible and authentic health information. It is also an opportunity to debunk myths by self-acclaimed healthcare professionals. Our own Aproko Doctor does it effortlessly. You should also be aware that any form of education has to be done ethically. Digital savviness means understanding how social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram among other platforms work, and how to use them effectively.
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals must develop specialized digital skills in order to keep up with the digital transformation of healthcare. Healthcare workers must change with the times, from efficiently maintaining electronic health data to utilizing telehealth technologies. Healthcare professionals who embrace and master these digital abilities are better equipped to provide high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals may confidently traverse the digital landscape and serve as change agents for the healthcare sector by investing in their digital skill development.
I will continue this series in another episode as digital skills are quite numerous.
MRI Medic Internships Placement Scheme
I have had numerous requests from healthcare professionals and students who are eager to get some experience working in healthcare and health tech companies as a way to kickstart their career in health tech but have not had any successes.
After speaking with a couple of founders who also don’t mind having interns, I have decided to start an internship placement scheme and hopefully, we will scale it up. So, if you are a healthcare professional seeking internship, sign up here and if you are a healthcare /Healthtech founder seeking interns, sign up here, and we will be in touch.
Upcoming Conference
The First African AI Conference which is fully virtual will hold on the 4th of October, 2023. The Summit’s objective is to foster dialogue, share ideas, learn from successful AI implementations on the continent, and network amongst Africans in the AI translational space. Register here to book your pass. If you would love to be a sponsor or partner, fill the form here.
Upcoming Webinars
I have four webinars scheduled for this month, and all of them are on the weekend to make sure you have the best chance to attend. They are:
YouTube Channel Update
I have been busy filming YouTube videos. Here are my top three recommendations:
1. Earn £100,000 as a UK Nurse
2. Job Opportunities in Healthcare Management
3. Free NHS Leadership Courses
Job Openings in Nigeria & UK.
By writing a very strong supporting statement, you stand a very good chance of landing a sponsored job role in the UK in the health tech space particularly the NHS. Advantage Health Africa, Intron Health and Mobihealth have some interesting openings that you can check out. I have checked the NHS job board and found some great jobs that you can try for.
Consultation Project Lead at East of England Ambulance Service
Application Trainer at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
International Health Days
July 3rd – 9th – National Childhood Obesity Week
July 13th - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)Awareness Day
July 22nd – World Brain Day
July 28th – World Hepatitis Day
Till I write you again,
Have a beautiful July.
Cheers,
Dr. Ron
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel as I post new videos every Friday by 8pm (WAT). If there are topics you would love me to address or guests you would like to see on the show, please email me at dr.ikpe@yahoo.com
Behind The Scenes in Health with Dr.Ron is being managed by MRI Medic Consulting, a healthcare consulting and creative digital agency.
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Would you like us to hold a training webinar for your staff? Please send an email to info@mrimedic.com or ronald@mrimedic.com
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I read through your newsletter and I must say it is packed with very relevant information. I appreciate the effort you put into compiling all this information together. Well done!