Työterveyshoitajien digiosaaminen ja siihen vaikuttavat tekijät – poikkileikkaustutkimus

The use of digital tools and digital services has increased significantly in healthcare over the past few decades. In the occupational health nursing profession, the utilization of digital solutions is an essential part of the role. Digital solutions improve client work, information flow, and support preventive healthcare. This study explored the current level of digital competence among occupational health nurses and identified influencing factors. Data were collected in March 2025 from members of the Finnish Association of Occupational Health Nurses (N=986) using validated DigiHealthCom and DigiComInf instruments. The response rate was 12% (n=114). To assess digital competence, the measures included questions about digital competence and its influencing factors, self-assessed on a four-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, providing insight into current competencies. The results indicate that occupational health nurses’ self-assessed digital competence was good. Statistically significant differences were found in the respondents' age, work experience, workplace size, and those who had completed occupational health care qualification training. The strongest areas were ICT competence and ethical competence related to digital solutions. Occupational health qualification training had a positive impact on ethical competence related to digital solutions. Nurses working in large organizations assessed digital solutions as part of their work more than those working in small organizations. All age groups rated the influence of colleagues on their digital skills as above average, but those under 40 rated it lowest. Those over 60 rated colleagues' influence on their digital skills as the highest, and this influence was most significant among the most experienced occupational health nurses. The weakest factors influencing digital competence were perceived to be organizational and unit practices supporting competence development, and support from managers. Although occupational health nurses rate their digital competence as mainly good, organizational and managerial support is insufficient for systematic development. Further research is needed, particularly on how organizations can support digital competence and on the influence of colleagues across different career stages.