What is digital literacy?

We define digital literacy as, “those capabilities that fit someone for living, learning, working, participating and thriving in a digital society".

This wide area is fundamental to delivering safe, effective, and person-centred 21st century care. It is underpinned by getting the right knowledge to the right people at the right time and ensuring the workforce and those in training are skilled , confident and  better equipped to work in a digital environment.

To achieve this, we need to provide easy access to learning and development for all; learners and staff. This must include both specialist content, such as for genomics or AI as subjects, and more generic content, such as prescribing patient apps or professional social media use.

Tools and learning resources to improve digital literacy

A Digital Skills Assessment Tool underpinned by the Health and Care Digital Capabilities framework has been designed to support individuals to identify their digital skills learning needs and be intelligently signposted to appropriate learning resources.

A number of Profession and Service Specific Digital Capabilities frameworks have also been created, with more in development.

To support local ownership of digital skills learning and further skills development for some learners, Digital Champions programme toolkits have been created.

Background outputs and reports

Please note, these links take you to a Health Education England document repository as the documents are historic but are included here for background information and context.