From Tools to Teammates: Bridging the Digital Literacy Gap in Health Professions Education

The digital transformation of healthcare is no longer a future prospect; it is our current reality. From the ubiquity of electronic health records (EHRs) to the rapid integration of AI-driven diagnostics, technology has moved from the periphery of the clinic to the heart of the patient–provider encounter. Yet, while hospitals are becoming “smarter,” educational frameworks are often still playing catch-up. Proficiency with digital health tools is no longer a niche technical skill; it is a core clinical competency. However, many practitioners find themselves "learning on the fly", navigating complex systems and AI-generated insights without a formal roadmap. This Research Topic explores how we can move beyond fragmented, informal training and build a robust, evidence-based curriculum that prepares the next generation of clinicians to thrive in a technology-rich environment.This is not just about knowing which buttons to click. True digital literacy in medicine requires a deep understanding of how these tools influence clinical reasoning, shape the patient–provider relationship, and introduce new ethical challenges, such as algorithmic bias and data privacy. We must ensure that technology strengthens the human touch of medicine rather than becoming a barrier between clinicians and patients.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and educational practice. We seek insights into how to teach clinicians to interpret data critically, use AI responsibly, and manage digital workflows—without losing sight of the human being at the center of care. We welcome original research, systematic reviews, case studies, and other contributions that push the boundaries of how we teach digital health. Key themes include, but are not limited to:- Human-Centered EHR Training: beyond data entry; using records to enhance, not hinder, the clinical workflow;- AI Literacy: teaching clinicians to collaborate with, and critically evaluate, AI-based diagnostic and decision-support tools;- Curricular Evolution: Strategies for integrating digital competencies into undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning;- The Ethics of the Algorithm: training for ethical, legal, and social awareness in a data-driven landscape;- Measuring Success: novel methods for assessing digital competency and its direct impact on patient safety and quality of care;- The Lived Experience: qualitative insights into how students and educators navigate the shift toward technology-mediated care. Topic editors: Parinaz Tabari, Stefan Hertling, Agostino Marengo, Vito Santamato Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78621/from-tools-to-teammates-bridging-the-digital-literacy-gap-in-health-professions-education