New report demonstrates the need for upskilling in Irish healthcare sector

• Digital transformation has the potential to revolutionise patient care

• Major skills gaps are preventing Ireland from realising its digital healthcare potential

• Industry analysis by the UCD Professional Academy is the second in a series of reports exploring skills gaps in major Irish industries

23rd October 2024.

The UCD Professional Academy, Ireland’s leading destination for professional development and upskilling, has launched its latest industry insights report exploring the Irish healthcare industry's challenges and the current skills gaps. The new report, Tackling Digital Transformation in Healthcare, is the second in a series of industry analyses by UCD Professional Academy. 

With the industry undergoing unprecedented technological advancements in recent years, there is a clear need for a shift in how organisations approach patient care, data management, and operational efficiency. Digitalised healthcare has the potential to change Irish lives and livelihoods by revolutionising patient care and shaping the society we live in. 

According to the UCD Professional Academy’s latest industry insights report, digital transformation is rapidly reshaping the healthcare sector and has the potential to revolutionise patient care while improving operational efficiency and staff wellbeing. The Irish healthcare sector already recognises the crucial need for digitalisation and Ireland is well-placed to become a global business hub in digital health but faces a significant challenge: a shortage of suitably skilled healthcare professionals. 

This challenge is widely recognised but one that Ireland is currently struggling to meet, both in terms of staffing and digital ability. 

This new report has identified three clear mechanisms to bridge the skills gap and allow Ireland to harness the full benefits of digital health: 

• Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning;

• Short, flexible and ongoing training options for busy healthcare professionals;

• Digital literacy and change management skills for healthcare leaders to steer transformation.

UCD Professional Academy is partnering with organisations across the healthcare industry to ensure they can meet their upskilling needs through industry-taught and industry-led professional development courses. 

Commenting on the launch of the report, John Delves, CEO of UCD Professional Academy said: 

“The digital transformation of healthcare presents several challenges and opportunities for the industry in Ireland. While potential benefits are immense, realising them requires a workforce equipped with the necessary digital skills and a leadership team capable of driving change. This report highlights the urgency of addressing the digital skills gap, ensuring the focus is not only on equipping employees with specific digital skills but training leaders to manage the changes needed.

By investing in both digital and leadership skills, Irish healthcare organisations can create a situation where everyone benefits, boosting patient and staff health and wellbeing and the health of Ireland’s economy.

Our goal at UCD Professional Academy is to help our partners to learn and thrive across Ireland.  We offer tailored courses to partners that offer industry-specific content curated directly for healthcare professionals that can assist them with bridging the digital gap and prosper in their industry.”

The report is available here.